Slow Cooker Poor Mans Stew

I was feeling a bit down last week, so I decided to make my favorite Poor Mans Stew recipe.

It’s so easy and comforting and always makes me feel better. This best slow cooker poor mans stew recipe is hearty and delicious, made from filling ingredients that are just what you need to satisfy your stomach at the end of the day.

Need an easy slow cooker poor mans stew for beginners? This is it! Just toss the ingredients in your crockpot and let it cook all day – you’ll have a delicious and hearty stew ready to eat without breaking the bank.

Plus, this is a great dish to make when you’re short on time – simply prep it in the morning or early afternoon and let it cook while you’re busy doing other things.

If you’re in need of homemade slow cooker poor mans stew ideas, this recipe also makes a good starting point. If you don’t have all the ingredients, there are many variations of this stew that you’ll enjoy. This flexible, tasty stew can be made from a range of ingredients you might have in your refrigerator. 

So why not give it a try tonight? Your family will love it!

So give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This simple slow cooker poor mans stew meal is easy to toss together with whatever ingredients you have on hand – use a range of veggies and meats to bring this together.
• Poor Man’s Stew is made from inexpensive ingredients, so it’s great to make even when you’re broke.
• This stew stores well and can be put in the refrigerator or frozen in the freezer for a later date.
• Like many stews, the longer this recipe cooks, the better it gets – put it on in the morning and enjoy it at night!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ground beef: Can be substituted for a range of other meats including chicken, pork, or ground turkey.

Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are best, but Russets and even red wax potatoes work well in this recipe.

Water: Of course you can use water but broth works just as well!

Seasonings: Add seasonings to taste. In addition to the salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, you can also add paprika or even chili powder for the slightest kick!

• Ground beef
• Potatoes cut into pieces
• Carrots peeled and sliced
• Water
• Onion chopped
• Tomato paste
• Dried oregano
• Onion powder
• Minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

Browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat gives you an opportunity to cook the meat without making your stew too greasy. You can drain the grease from the ground beef by placing the ground beef in a colander, or potentially by placing it on a plate on top of a paper towel. 

Once the beef has been cooked, mix it with the vegetables and then top with the wet ingredients and spices. This quick slow cooker poor mans stew recipe will easily cook all day long without any further time or attention from you. At the end of the day, the flavors will have melded together to make a delicious, family friendly slow cooker poor mans stew. 

How to make Poor Man’s Stew:

Step 1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, and drain the excess fat.

Step 2. Place the ground beef into the slow cooker along with the potatoes, onions, and carrots. Stir to combine.

Step 3. In a bowl, add oregano, onion powder, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.

Then, whisk together the water, and tomato paste.

Step 4. Pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.

Step 5. Cook on low for 7 hours.

Serve with a side of bread if desired.

THANKS FOR PINING!

Tips for Success

Brown the meat well. Cooking until the meat is well-browned helps bring out the flavor.

Cut the veggies evenly, in the same approximate sizes, to ensure even cooking throughout the stew.

Consider seasoning throughout the day, if you’re around. Check in with the stew regularly to see how it tastes. This will help ensure you get the best flavor possible.

Storage & Reheating

The stew should be placed in an airtight container and then put into the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days. If you choose to freeze the stew you can do so for up to 4 months.

If you do choose to freeze the stew, consider portion sizes. Small individual portions may be easier to thaw, while larger portions will feed bigger groups.

To reheat, place the stew into a pot and allow it to heat slowly until warmed up all the way through. You could also place it back into the crock pot for 2 to 3 hours.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this healthy slow cooker poor mans stew version with crackers, tortilla chips, or even rice.

Consider pairing this stew with crusty bread!

FAQs

What is Poor Man’s Stew?

This is a simple stew that is made from ground beef, potatoes, and some vegetables. It is hearty, savory, and filling.

Is this meal budget-friendly?

The meal uses ground beef, potatoes, and the vegetables you have on hand. This is a comforting meal that helps you feel warm all over.

Is the stew healthy?

The stew is made with beef and vegetables. Protein and vitamins and minerals are loaded in a single crockpot to make this the perfect dish.

How do I thicken the stew?

The stew can be thickened by using a slurry made from water and cornstarch.  The potatoes also release starch as they cook which will help to thicken the stew somewhat.

How long do I cook this stew?

You should cook it on low for 4 to 6 hours, and on high for 2 to 3 hours.

Can I use a different meat?

The meat can be changed to ground pork, chuck steak, ground turkey or even chicken. The Poor man’s stew is so versatile, you can change up different vegetables and still have the perfect meal.

Notes

This recipe makes me feel better when I’m down – I hope it will do the same for you!

More soup ideas

If you’re looking for more slow cooker ideas, check out our collection of the best slow cooker recipes you can find.

Slow Cooker Barbequed Beef Ribs – They’ll be gone before you know it!

Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Potatoes – A real comfort food meal the entire family will love.

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket – The ultimate comfort food!