Name: Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 3 large carrots, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste; 3 cups beef broth; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning beef)

A warm, satisfying, and budget-friendly classic, this Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is exactly what I want on a chilly evening or when I’m short on time during a busy week. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a tomato-based broth, it’s a hearty one-pot meal that fills the house with cozy aromas and the belly with comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this stew delivers big flavor with minimal effort and basic pantry staples. It’s the kind of meal I can throw together in the morning and come home to something delicious and filling. The slow cooker does all the work, making the beef tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked. It’s also super customizable, freezer-friendly, and a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a full meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

3 large carrots, sliced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

3 cups beef broth

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning beef)

Directions

In a skillet over medium heat, I like to warm a bit of olive oil and brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Then I drain off any excess fat.

I transfer the browned beef into the crock pot.

Next, I add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic.

I pour in the can of diced tomatoes (including the juices), tomato paste, and beef broth.

Then I sprinkle in oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

I stir everything together to combine all the flavors.

I cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the vegetables are soft and the flavors are well developed.

Before serving, I taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH

Total Time: Around 7 hours 15 minutes

Calories per serving: Approximately 290 kcal

Variations

I sometimes like to change things up depending on what I have in the kitchen. Instead of ground beef, I’ve used ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian version. I’ve added frozen peas or green beans in the last hour of cooking for a little more color and texture. If I’m craving a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce works great. And for a richer broth, a splash of Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep really well. I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I want to reheat it, I use the microwave or warm it gently in a saucepan over medium heat until hot. This stew also freezes beautifully—just let it cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes:

Poor Man’s Husband Casserole

FAQs

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep everything the night before—just store the ingredients in the fridge and dump them into the slow cooker in the morning. It’s a great make-ahead dish.

Do I have to brown the beef first?

Technically, no. I’ve skipped it when in a rush, but browning the beef adds depth and flavor, and helps remove excess fat.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely. I’ve swapped in sweet potatoes before and they give the stew a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that’s really comforting.

How can I thicken the stew?

If I want it thicker, I mash a few potatoes in the pot at the end of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and cook on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as I use gluten-free beef broth and check that all canned ingredients are gluten-free, it’s naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is one of those humble, hearty dishes that never goes out of style. I love that it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor using just a few basic ingredients. Whether I’m feeding the family on a budget or just want something warm and comforting at the end of a long day, this stew always hits the spot.

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