On a cold winter day in the Midwest, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hearty stew. This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is a family favorite, not just for its simplicity but for its rich, homey flavors. Made with budget-friendly ingredients, it’s a perfect meal when you want something delicious, filling, and easy to prepare.
With just a little prep, your slow cooker does all the work, letting you come home to a warm, ready-to-eat meal. Serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or topped with a sprinkle of cheese for an extra cozy touch. This is comfort food at its best—affordable, satisfying, and packed with flavor!
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups beef broth (for a richer broth)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra depth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (for added richness)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky flavor)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end for color and sweetness)
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Layer Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Then, stir in the browned beef.
- Add Liquid & Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in the frozen peas (if using) during the last 15 minutes. Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice.
Optional Garnishes: Shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped parsley for extra flavor!
Would you like any more tweaks or variations? 😊
