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Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew

A hearty, budget-friendly slow cooker stew made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich tomato broth. Classic comfort food that's affordable, filling, and full of old-fashioned flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Winter
Calories: 295
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Stew Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef browned and drained
  • 4 potatoes peeled and diced
  • 3 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes canned
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Brown ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
  2. Transfer cooked beef into the slow cooker.
  3. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic on top of the beef.
  4. Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  6. Pour beef broth over all ingredients.
  7. Stir lightly to combine.
  8. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
  9. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as desired.
  10. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.