This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

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Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew: A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Comfort Meal

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need expensive ingredients to create a deeply satisfying meal. Built on simple pantry staples, this stew has been passed down in many households as an affordable way to feed a family while still delivering rich flavor and warmth. The slow cooker does most of the work, gently transforming humble ingredients into a thick, comforting stew that tastes like it simmered all day on the stove—because it did.

Why This Stew Is So Loved

Poor Man’s Stew is practical, filling, and flexible. It’s perfect for busy days, cold evenings, or anytime you want a no-stress meal that stretches your grocery budget. Using ground beef instead of pricier cuts of meat keeps costs low, while potatoes and vegetables add bulk and nutrition. The slow cooker allows flavors to blend beautifully without constant attention.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground beef
Potatoes, peeled and diced
Carrots, sliced
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce or tomato soup
Beef broth or water
Frozen or canned corn and green beans (optional but traditional)
Salt and black pepper
Paprika or Italian seasoning
A bay leaf (optional)

Ingredient quantities can be adjusted depending on how many people you’re feeding.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step adds flavor and prevents excess grease from making the stew oily. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef is cooking, peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Slice the carrots and chop the onion. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.