This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food — hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and savory broth slow-simmered to rich, cozy perfection. It’s an easy dump-and-go crockpot dinner that feeds the whole family with simple pantry ingredients and big, satisfying flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a warm, filling meal without breaking the bank.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 3 medium carrots sliced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz / 410g diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas optional
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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Brown the Beef
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned.
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Drain excess grease.
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(Tip: Browning first adds deeper flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time.)
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Load the Slow Cooker
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Add diced potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
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Spoon in the cooked beef.
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Add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and beef broth.
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Season
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Stir in thyme, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Mix gently to combine.
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Cook Low & Slow
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Cover and cook:
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LOW for 7–8 hours, or
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HIGH for 4–5 hours
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Stew is ready when vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.
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Finish & Serve
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Stir in frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve hot with crusty bread.