Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is the ultimate comfort food for those who want a delicious, filling meal without breaking the bank. This hearty dish combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and an array of vegetables, all cooked together in a rich tomato broth for a meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Easy to make and wonderfully satisfying, this stew is perfect for cozy family dinners, busy weeknights, or any time you need a warm, filling meal.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Days?
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few affordable ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a flavorful stew that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s perfect for anyone on a budget, and its warm, savory flavors make it a go-to comfort dish. All you need to do is brown the beef, throw everything in the crock pot, and let it cook to perfection.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew
Main Ingredients
To make this hearty, budget-friendly stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef, browned – Provides a rich, savory base for the stew.
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced – Adds bulk and texture, making the stew filling and hearty.
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced – Brings sweetness and color to the dish.
- 2 stalks celery, diced – Adds a slight crunch and enhances the flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds depth and a mild sweetness when cooked.
- 3 cups beef broth – Forms the base of the stew, creating a savory, flavorful broth.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce – Gives the stew its rich, tomato-based flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish – Adds a touch of color and freshness to the finished dish.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Want to enhance the stew’s flavor? Try these optional ingredients:
- Garlic – Add minced garlic for extra depth.
- Worcestershire sauce – A splash adds a rich, umami flavor.
- Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary – These herbs bring an earthy note that complements the stew’s flavors.
Instructions for Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew
Step-by-Step Directions
- Brown the Beef – In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat. This step ensures the beef is flavorful and prevents the stew from becoming too greasy.
- Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot – In your crock pot, combine the browned ground beef, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced celery, and onion. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Broth and Tomato Sauce – Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, and stir everything together until well-mixed. The beef broth provides a savory base, while the tomato sauce adds a slight tanginess that complements the vegetables.
- Season to Taste – Add salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning as needed; remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as you go.
- Cook on Low or High – Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, while the vegetables become tender and absorb the savory broth.
- Serve and Enjoy – Once the stew is ready, garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve it warm. This stew pairs wonderfully with your favorite bread or rolls, which can be used to soak up the flavorful broth.
Tips for Success
- Brown the Beef First – Browning the ground beef before adding it to the crock pot enhances the flavor, creating a richer stew.
- Chop Vegetables Evenly – Cut your potatoes, carrots, and celery into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Adjust the Consistency – If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the broth before cooking, or remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30 minutes.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Families and Budget-Friendly?
Affordable Ingredients for a Hearty Meal
Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, making it a cost-effective option for feeding a crowd. It’s a great way to make a filling meal without spending a lot, and the leftovers can be enjoyed for days.
A Versatile and Filling Dish
This stew is incredibly versatile. It’s delicious as-is, but you can add different vegetables, beans, or even pasta to suit your taste. It’s also filling and satisfying, thanks to the potatoes and ground beef, making it perfect for a main course.
Ideal for Meal Prep
Since it makes a large batch, this stew is ideal for meal prep. Make a big pot on the weekend, and enjoy easy reheatable meals throughout the week. The flavors tend to get even better over time, so it’s just as delicious (if not more) the next day.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew
Pairing Ideas
Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is filling on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls – A slice of crusty bread or soft roll is perfect for dipping in the rich broth.
- Side Salad – A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the savory stew.
- Mashed Potatoes – Serve the stew over mashed potatoes for an extra-hearty meal.
Perfect for Family Gatherings and Cozy Dinners
This stew is ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Serve it straight from the crock pot for a casual, warm meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s also easy to double the recipe if you’re cooking for a larger group.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers
Let the stew cool completely before storing it. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more flavorful the next day.
Reheating Tips for Best Results
To reheat, you can warm the stew on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. If the stew has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Freezing Instructions
Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew freezes well, making it a great option for make-ahead meals. Let the stew cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Nutritional Breakdown
One serving of Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew (about 1/6 of the recipe) provides approximately:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g
Health Benefits of Poor Man’s Stew
This stew is rich in protein and vegetables, making it a balanced meal option. Ground beef provides essential proteins and minerals, while potatoes and vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Making It Lighter
For a lighter version, consider these substitutions:
- Lean Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a lower-fat option.
- Low-Sodium Broth – Opt for a low-sodium beef broth to reduce the salt content.
- More Veggies – Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or zucchini to boost fiber and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Stew with Ground Turkey Instead?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and works well in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! This stew is very versatile. Try adding bell peppers, green beans, or even mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
How Can I Make the Stew Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to the broth. Stir well and let it cook for the last 30 minutes uncovered.
Printable Recipe Card
Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef, browned
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Combine beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion in the crock pot.
- Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, and stir to mix.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high