When life gets busy or budgets get tight, meals like this slow cooker beef stew come to the rescue. This comforting recipe, often affectionately called “Poor Man’s Stew,” proves that you don’t need fancy cuts of meat or expensive ingredients to make a hearty, satisfying dish. Perfect for feeding a family or prepping meals ahead, this stew delivers big on flavor while keeping costs low.
Made with everyday pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and diced tomatoes, this meal comes together in minutes before being left to slowly simmer into something warm and nourishing. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to blend beautifully, with the vegetables soaking up the seasoned broth and the beef becoming incredibly tender. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of home—even if you’ve never had it before.
Whether you’re looking to stretch your grocery dollars or just want a fuss-free dinner that tastes like it took all day, this stew checks all the boxes. Cozy, simple, and endlessly adaptable, it’s sure to earn a regular spot in your meal rotation.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into large chunks
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 medium onion, diced
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
Add the cooked ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions into the slow cooker.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and minced garlic. Stir until well blended.
Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Stir gently and serve hot. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
This stew offers a good mix of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. The beef adds iron and protein, while the carrots and potatoes bring essential vitamins and natural sweetness. While it’s rich and filling, those watching sodium may want to opt for low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes. This dish is not vegetarian, but can be adjusted using plant-based meat and vegetable broth.
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