Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

There’s something special about the kind of meal that takes you back to simpler times — when dinner meant gathering around the table, no fuss, just comfort. This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is one of those dishes. It comes from humble beginnings, born out of the need to stretch a few basic ingredients into something filling, flavorful, and satisfying.

I remember my grandma making a version of this on chilly evenings. She’d toss whatever vegetables were left in the pantry into the pot, along with some ground beef and a couple of scoops of tomato paste. By the time the stew had simmered all afternoon, the house was filled with that rich, hearty aroma that said, “You’re home.”

This recipe keeps that old-fashioned charm but makes it easier with a slow cooker. Toss everything in, go about your day, and come back to a warm, soul-soothing bowl of stew that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen — no matter what your budget is.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn (add during last hour)

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat
   In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.

2. Layer the slow cooker
   Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the cooked beef on top.

3. Add liquids and seasoning
   Stir together the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Pour over the meat and veggies. Sprinkle in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

4. Cook
   Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes and carrots are tender.

5. (Optional) Stir in frozen peas or corn during the last hour of cooking for extra color and sweetness.

6. Serve warm
   Spoon into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or biscuits!

Note:

This stew is incredibly flexible — you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, add canned beans for extra protein, or throw in any leftover veggies you have on hand. It’s a great “clean-out-the-fridge” meal. For a thicker stew, mash a few of the potatoes before serving. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day!