There’s nothing quite like a warm, savory stew to make you feel at home, especially on a chilly evening when you need something hearty but simple. Poor Man’s Stew is the epitome of comfort food – humble yet filling, and packed with flavors that bring the whole family together. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you need a delicious meal that doesn’t require hours of prep or expensive ingredients.

Inspired by traditional stews that make the most of budget-friendly pantry staples, Poor Man’s Stew offers a comforting taste of nostalgia. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this dish is easy to make, and it’s ideal for anyone looking to stretch their groceries a bit further. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and savory seasonings will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leave your taste buds satisfied. It’s a meal everyone can enjoy – and it won’t break the bank.

Why You’ll Love Poor Man’s Stew

There are a lot of reasons why this stew should become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Here are just a few:

Budget-friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking to save a little money without sacrificing flavor.
Hearty and filling: With potatoes, carrots, and ground beef, this stew is a one-pot meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Perfect for slow cooking: Set it in the morning, and come back to a hot, flavorful meal after a long day. The slow cooking process ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Versatile: You can easily customize the stew with whatever vegetables or seasonings you have on hand. Add peas, celery, or even some extra spices to suit your personal taste.

Let’s dive into the recipe so you can start enjoying this classic stew today.

Ingredients for Poor Man’s Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to make this filling and flavorful stew:

1 lb ground beef: The base of the stew. Ground beef adds richness and a savory flavor that will permeate the entire dish.
4 large potatoes, diced: Potatoes are hearty and soak up the flavors of the broth and seasonings, making them a key ingredient in this stew.
4 carrots, sliced: Carrots bring sweetness and crunch to balance the richness of the beef.
1 onion, chopped: Onions provide a savory depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must for adding that aromatic, savory punch that makes everything taste even better.
2 cups beef broth: The liquid that ties everything together, infusing the ingredients with rich, beefy flavor.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds a bit of acidity and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: A savory, slightly tangy addition that deepens the flavor of the beef.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
1/2 tsp black pepper: A touch of spice to round out the flavor.
1 tsp dried thyme: A fragrant herb that pairs perfectly with beef and vegetables.

Step-by-Step Directions

Making Poor Man’s Stew is simple and doesn’t require much more than a little time and a few key steps. Follow along with this easy-to-follow guide to create your new favorite stew:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This step is crucial because it caramelizes the meat and brings out a rich, savory flavor that will infuse the stew. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain the excess fat to prevent the stew from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker

Next, transfer the browned ground beef into the slow cooker. This is where the magic happens – the slow cooker will allow the flavors to meld together and cook to perfection.

Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. These vegetables will absorb the rich flavors of the broth and seasonings, making each bite satisfying and full of flavor.

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Seasonings

Pour the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes into the slow cooker, followed by Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. These ingredients provide a delicious balance of savory, tangy, and herbal flavors that will elevate the stew to the next level.

Give everything a good stir to combine, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the broth and seasonings.

Step 4: Slow Cook for 6-8 Hours

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the beef and vegetables to become tender and infuses the entire dish with the flavors of the broth and seasonings.

As the stew simmers, the aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be eagerly anticipating the moment it’s ready to serve.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Before serving, taste the stew to ensure the seasoning is just right. You may want to add a little extra salt or pepper, depending on your preferences. If the stew tastes too rich, a little extra Worcestershire sauce or even a splash of vinegar can help balance the flavors.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Once everything is cooked to perfection, serve the stew hot. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Poor Man’s Stew

While this recipe is simple and straightforward, here are a few tips to make sure your Poor Man’s Stew turns out perfect every time:

1. Customize Your Vegetables

While the traditional version of Poor Man’s Stew uses potatoes, carrots, and onions, feel free to mix it up! You can add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for extra variety. Frozen peas or green beans are also great additions.

2. Don’t Skip the Slow Cooker

The slow cooker is key to getting the best flavor from this dish. While you could technically make this stew on the stovetop, the slow cooker ensures the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.

3. Add Extra Seasonings to Taste

If you like your stew with a bit more spice, consider adding some paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce. For a more herby flavor, you could throw in a bay leaf, rosemary, or oregano.

4. Make it a One-Pot Meal

To simplify cleanup, use the slow cooker as your one-pot solution for cooking everything from start to finish. You’ll only need one pot, and the meal comes together without any additional mess.

5. Freeze for Later

Poor Man’s Stew is a great dish to make in large batches and freeze for later. Simply let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, and you can easily reheat it when you’re ready for another comforting meal.

Why Poor Man’s Stew is a Family Favorite

Poor Man’s Stew is not only easy on the wallet, but it’s also incredibly family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will love the tender meat, soft vegetables, and flavorful broth. Since the ingredients are basic and familiar, even picky eaters will enjoy it.

This stew is also great for meal prep. Whether you’re making a big batch for a weeknight dinner or preparing lunch for the week, Poor Man’s Stew can be reheated with ease and still taste amazing.

A Perfect Weeknight Meal

The beauty of Poor Man’s Stew is in its simplicity. It requires minimal effort, but the results are so satisfying. You can throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning, then come home after a long day to a comforting, hot meal waiting for you.

An Easy Way to Feed a Crowd

Planning a family gathering or dinner party? Poor Man’s Stew is a fantastic dish to make in large quantities. It’s easy to scale the recipe up or down depending on the number of guests, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Conclusion: A Stew That’s So Much More Than the Sum of Its Parts

Poor Man’s Stew is more than just a simple, affordable dish – it’s a comforting meal that brings people together. With its rich flavors, tender vegetables, and savory broth, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy, filling dinner on a weeknight.

So, next time you’re in the mood for something hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly, give this recipe a try. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Poor Man’s Stew

Author: lina
Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty and comforting stew is the perfect meal for a chilly evening when you need something filling yet simple. With budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and carrots, Poor Man’s Stew offers a warm, savory dish that is sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe delivers great flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
4 large potatoes, diced
4 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
In the slow cooker, combine the beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic.
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, then add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Customize your vegetables by adding root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes, or even green beans or peas.
Make sure to brown the ground beef first for richer flavor.
This stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Reheat when ready to serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours