Warm up your weeknight dinners with this Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew, a hearty, budget-friendly meal that's packed with tender beef, fresh veggies, and rich, savory flavors. This stew delivers rich, comforting flavors while keeping things easy and affordable.
I've been making this poor man's beef stew for years, and it's always a hit when I need a no-fuss, filling dinner, especially on those cold winter nights! The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and carrots simmers all day with simple seasonings, creating a rich, flavorful stew that's perfect for warming up. I love how easy it is to prep in the morning, and by dinnertime, the house smells incredible and everyone is eager to dig in!
If you love hearty stews, be sure to check out these other comforting recipes, like slow cooker beef stew and slow cooker chicken stew.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep in the morning means your hamburger stew in the Crock Pot simmers to perfection while you go about your day.
- Budget-Friendly: This poor man's stew recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients while still packing big, satisfying flavor.
- Family-Friendly: A hearty, satisfying meal that everyone at the table will enjoy. For another family favorite, check out this slow cooker crack chicken noodle soup.
- Perfect for Chilly Nights: Warm and comforting, this ground beef stew with potatoes is ideal for cozying up on cold evenings.
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Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for flavor without excess grease. Browning it first adds extra richness. For another tasty ground beef dish, try my slow cooker beef ramen noodles.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape while softening. Peel and cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness and texture. Cut them into similar-sized pieces as the potatoes for even cooking.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the poor man's stew. Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the seasoning.
- Seasonings: A combination of salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves brings warmth and savory notes to the stew. Dried herbs work perfectly in slow cooking, as they release flavor over time.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Cheesy Top: Top with shredded cheddar or Parmesan just before serving for a creamy, indulgent finish that kids and adults will love.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner stew without sacrificing flavor. Love turkey? Our slow cooker turkey breast recipe is a must-try!
- Vegetarian: Replace the meat with a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and lentils for a satisfying plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the Crock Pot hamburger stew a subtle, warming heat.
- Slow Cooker Chili Style: Add a can of diced tomatoes and a teaspoon of chili powder for a thicker, spicier stew with a chili-inspired twist.
How to Make Poor Man's Stew in the Slow Cooker
Making this poor man's stew in the crockpot is simple and mostly hands-off; just prep the ingredients in the morning, and let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef. Cook the ground beef in a skillet until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to the crock pot.
- Step 2: Add the Veggies and Seasonings. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and all the herbs and spices. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 3: Slow Cook the Stew. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Step 4: Thicken the Stew. Whisk the cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then stir it into the stew. Cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens, then remove the bay leaves and serve.
Expert Tips
- Brown the Meat First: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the crock pot enhances the flavor and prevents excess grease in the stew.
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: Chop potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and don't turn mushy.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place root vegetables at the bottom of the crock pot and meat on top to ensure even cooking and better texture.
- Thicken at the End: Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the stew to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, rich sauce.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Crock Pot poor man's stew as a hearty weeknight dinner to warm up on chilly evenings. Pair it with some fresh slow cooker focaccia bread or crockpot cornbread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Great for potlucks and gatherings, and it pairs well with other crowd-pleasers like slow cooked green bean casserole and Crock Pot mac and cheese.
Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew Recipe FAQ
Cut them into even, bite-sized pieces and avoid overcooking. Cooking on low for the recommended time usually keeps them tender but firm.
Yes, just keep in mind frozen vegetables may release extra water, which can slightly thin the stew. Add them at the same step as fresh vegetables.
You can simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid, or mash a few potatoes into the broth to naturally thicken the stew.
The liquid should come close to covering the ingredients, but it doesn't need to fully submerge them. Aim for about half an inch to an inch above the stew to keep everything moist and prevent drying during cooking.
More Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Recipes
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Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 tsp garlic (minced)
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 5 carrots (cut into bite size pieces)
- 1 lb russet potatoes (washed, skinned and cut into bite-size pieces)
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ cups cold water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef until completely brown. It takes about 6-7 minutes. Drain and add to a 6-quart crock pot.
- Add onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, black pepper, salt, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Whisk the cold water and cornstarch together until there are no lumps. Pour into the stew and mix. Continue to cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Remove bay leaves before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- Brown the ground beef first to boost flavor and reduce excess grease in the stew.
- Chop potatoes and carrots into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly without getting mushy.
- Whisk the cornstarch with cold water before adding to the stew to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Layer root vegetables on the bottom of the crock pot and meat on top for even cooking and better texture.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Kare says
Do you have to use russet potatoes....I only have red or yellow potatoes
Ryan Allen says
Yellow or red potatoes both work great. Bonus you don't have to peel them either.
Mary Huntly says
Very easy and tasty. Love this recipe
Ryan Allen says
That’s what I love to hear! Easy and tasty is always a win. So glad you enjoyed it!
Heather says
Can you use baby carrots?
Ryan Allen says
Yes, baby carrots work great in this stew.