Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew Recipe | Easy Hearty Crockpot Stew

Warm up with this Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew, a budget-friendly, hearty one-pot meal packed with tender potatoes, carrots, and seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. This easy crockpot stew recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimal prep — perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prep.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Stew

This classic slow cooker stew is:

✔️ Simple to prepare — just prep and set your slow cooker
✔️ Hearty & filling — hearty root vegetables and savory meat
✔️ Budget-friendly — uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients
✔️ One-pot comfort meal — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor

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Ingredients (Serves ~6)

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained

• 1½ lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3–4 large carrots, sliced

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 oz tomato paste (or tomato sauce)

• 2–3 cups beef broth or water

• 1–2 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Optional: Worcestershire sauce or herbs like thyme/rosemary

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How to Make Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat. Browning builds flavor and prevents grease in the stew.

2. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the diced potatoes, carrots, onion, and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the browned ground beef on top.

3. Mix the Seasoning Base

In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste, beef broth (or water), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

4. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors meld together.

5. Serve Hot

Once done, stir gently, taste for seasoning, and serve in warm bowls. Enjoy with crusty bread or rolls.

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Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew pairs beautifully with:

🥖 Crusty bread or dinner rolls
🥗 Simple green salad
🍚 Rice or mashed potatoes for extra comfort
🥄 A dollop of sour cream or grated cheese on top

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Tips for Best Results

✔️ Even Veggie Size: Cut potatoes and carrots into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
✔️ Season to Taste: Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs before serving for balanced flavor.
✔️ Add Extra Veg: For more nutrition and color, add frozen peas or green beans in the last hour of cooking.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months — thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until heated through.