Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Poor Mans Stew Recipe is the ultimate comfort food when you want something hearty, budget-friendly, and easy. This classic dish uses simple pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onion, all slow-cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce. After hours in the slow cooker, the flavors meld together into a rich, satisfying stew that tastes far more indulgent than its humble ingredients suggest.

The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooking process. Over several hours, the flavors blend together beautifully, creating tender vegetables and beef coated in a savory tomato gravy. It’s a dish that brings back memories of family dinners, chilly evenings, and big pots simmering all day, the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and warms both body and soul.

If you love nostalgic, home-style meals, you’ll also enjoy classics like this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe or this simple Basic Vegetable Soup.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Poor Mans Stew Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ pound potatoes, peeled and diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

Sauce Mix

• 2 ½ ounces water

• 6 ounces tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions for Slow Cooker Poor Mans Stew Recipe

1. Brown the Beef
   In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.

2. Assemble the Stew
   Add the beef, diced potatoes, carrots, and onion to your slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.

3. Make the Sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together water, tomato paste, oregano, onion powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Slow Cook
   Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir slightly. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours.

5. Serve
   Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or rolls.

Tips & Variations

• Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage instead of beef.

• Veggie Boost: Add green beans, peas, or spinach for more color and nutrition.

• Thicker Stew: Stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water during the last 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.

• Extra Flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce or swap the water with beef broth for more depth.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.

• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a pot or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the stew thickens too much.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 hours on low

• Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes

• Yield: 6 servings

Tools Used

• 5–6 quart slow cooker

• Skillet

• Cutting board & knife

• Wooden spoon

FAQ

Q1: Can I cook it on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook on high for 4–5 hours, but the flavors develop more deeply when cooked on low.

Q2: Can I replace tomato paste with canned tomatoes?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Tomato paste gives a richer, thicker base.

Final Thoughts: Slow Cooker Poor Mans Stew Recipe

Slow Cooker Poor Mans Stew Recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. It’s hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly, perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy Sundays when you want your slow cooker to do the work.

Pair it with a fresh salad or add a side of Creamy Mushroom Soup for a full meal. And if you love cozy recipes like this, you’ll find even more inspiration on Allrecipes and Delish. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this stew is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to whenever comfort and simplicity are what you crave.