Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

Looking for a delicious and budget-friendly stew recipe? Try Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew! This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, it’s a hearty meal that won’t break the bank. Plus, it cooks right in your slow cooker, making it a convenient option for busy families. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping or top it with shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1.5 lbs (about 3) potatoes, diced large
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 oz can tomato paste
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the potatoes, onion, and carrots into large pieces.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, and dried oregano until well combined.
4. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the browned ground beef, chopped potatoes, onions, and carrots in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the top of the ingredients.
5. Add Liquid: Pour 2 cups of water or broth into the slow cooker, ensuring that all ingredients are covered.
6. Cook: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the stew for 7 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender. Avoid lifting the cover during cooking to maintain temperature and cooking time.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. For an extra special touch, serve with fresh bread for dipping or top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Notes

• This recipe yields about 5 servings, with nutritional values based on 1/5 of the recipe. Actual serving size may vary.
• Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
• If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to calculate the nutritional values based on your specific needs.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
   Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a lighter option.
2. Can I add additional vegetables to the stew?
   Absolutely! Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite vegetables like celery, peas, or green beans.
3. Can I freeze leftovers for later?
   Yes, this stew freezes well. Simply portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.
4. Can I cook this stew on high heat instead of low?
   While it’s recommended to cook the stew on low heat for optimal flavor and tenderness, you can cook it on high heat for a shorter amount of time if needed.
5. Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Simply simmer the ingredients in a large pot on the stove over low heat until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.