In today’s fast-paced world, finding recipes that are both affordable and easy to prepare can be a lifesaver. One such dish that hits all the right notes is Poor Man’s Stew. This meal brings together simple ingredients and slow cooker magic to create a comforting, hearty stew that’s not only easy on the wallet but also packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a delicious slow cooker recipe that doesn’t break the bank, this stew is your go-to choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Poor Man’s Stew, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that are both affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Potatoes (peeled and diced) | ½ pound |
| Carrots (peeled and sliced) | 2 |
| Water | 2.5 ounces |
| Tomato paste | 6 ounces (1 small can) |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Minced garlic | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
These ingredients come together to create a hearty, flavorful stew that’s perfect for dinner any day of the week.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s dive into how to prepare this easy Poor Man’s Stew in your slow cooker. Follow these steps for a stress-free, tasty meal that your family will love.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Before everything goes into the slow cooker, start by browning the ground beef. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Make sure to break the meat apart as it cooks so there are no large clumps. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is browning, peel and dice the potatoes and carrots. You can also chop the onion at this time. These vegetables will add bulk and nutrition to your stew, making it a well-rounded meal.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Now that your ground beef is browned and your vegetables are prepped, it’s time to start building the stew. Place the ground beef, diced potatoes, carrots, and onion into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 4: Mix the Seasoning Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the water, tomato paste, oregano, onion powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth. This mixture will provide the stew with its rich, tomato-based sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Cook
Pour the seasoning sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. The long, slow cooking process will allow the flavors to blend and the vegetables to become tender, while the ground beef absorbs all the spices and tomato goodness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cooking time is up, give the stew one final stir. The result will be a thick, hearty stew with tender potatoes, perfectly cooked carrots, and beef that’s rich in flavor.
Serve Poor Man’s Stew on its own or pair it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. It’s the perfect dish for a cold evening, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.