Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew – A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Classic
Few meals capture the essence of old-fashioned comfort food like Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew. Simple, humble, affordable, and unbelievably satisfying, this dish has stood the test of time because it delivers huge flavor with minimal ingredients. Made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a savory tomato broth, it’s the kind of set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills your home with warmth and fills your belly with comfort.
This stew originated as a budget-friendly way to feed large families using inexpensive ingredients and pantry staples. And today, even though it costs very little to make, it still tastes absolutely amazing. The slow cooker transforms basic ingredients into something rich, tender, and deeply flavorful — exactly what you want on a cold or busy day.
In this full guide, you’ll learn how to make the best poor man’s stew, ingredient breakdowns, money-saving substitutions, cooking tips, variations, storage options, and ways to serve it. By the end, you’ll have a go-to recipe for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
- Budget-friendly – uses low-cost ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and ground beef.
- Easy prep – everything goes into the slow cooker.
- Feeds a crowd – hearty servings with affordable portions.
- Nutritious – protein, fiber, and vegetables all in one bowl.
- Perfect winter meal – warm, filling, and comforting.
- Great for meal prep – leftovers taste even better the next day.
Ingredients Breakdown
This stew uses minimal ingredients, but each plays a role in building savory depth and comfort.
Ground Beef
The protein of choice for a low-budget stew. Browning the beef first adds flavor and prevents greasiness.
Potatoes
Russet potatoes or Yukon Golds work best — they hold shape but soften nicely.
Carrots
They add sweetness and color while helping thicken the stew as they break down slightly.
Onion + Garlic
Adds aromatic depth, forming the base of the stew’s flavor.
Tomato Paste + Diced Tomatoes
These thicken the broth and create a rich, hearty tomato base.
Beef Broth
Provides savory flavor and moisture. Vegetable broth works too.
Seasonings
Simple pantry spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper make the stew comforting and balanced.
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1–2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add to slow cooker: Transfer cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- Layer vegetables: Add potatoes, carrots, diced onion, and garlic.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add broth: Pour beef broth over everything.
- Stir lightly: Mix gently to distribute ingredients.
- Cook:
- Low for 7–8 hours, or
- High for 4–5 hours
- Taste & adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as desired.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread.
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Transfer cooked beef into the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic on top of the beef.
- Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour beef broth over all ingredients.
- Stir lightly to combine.
- Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Poor Man’s Stew
1. Brown the beef first
Adds flavor and improves texture.
2. Cut potatoes evenly
Helps ensure even cooking.
3. Add Worcestershire for depth
A small amount adds rich umami flavor.
4. Add frozen peas at the end
For color and sweetness, stir in peas during the last 10 minutes.
5. Make it thicker
Mash a few potato chunks near the end of cooking.
Budget-Friendly Substitutions
Poor Man’s Stew is meant to be flexible depending on what you have.
Swap the protein
- Ground turkey
- Ground chicken
- Sausage
- Or go meatless with lentils
Swap veggies
Use whatever is cheap or on hand:
- celery
- canned corn
- canned green beans
- turnips
- sweet potatoes
Use pantry spices only
No specialty ingredients needed.
Variations
1. Smoky Poor Man’s Stew
Add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
2. Hearty Vegetable Poor Man’s Stew
Add celery, peas, and green beans for a veggie-heavy version.
3. Cowboy Poor Man’s Stew
Add beans (pinto or kidney) and a pinch of chili powder.
4. Creamy Version
Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or 4 oz cream cheese at the end.
5. Italian Version
Add basil, oregano, and a splash of tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- crusty bread
- cornbread
- biscuits
- rice
- simple green salad
Garnish with:
- fresh parsley
- cracked black pepper
- shredded cheese
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate:
Up to 4–5 days.
Freeze:
Up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat:
Simmer on the stove or microwave until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without browning the beef?
Yes, but browning adds flavor and keeps texture firmer.
Can I add pasta?
Not recommended — it may get mushy.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 6–7 quart slow cooker.
