Poor Man’s Stew Recipe

This hearty Poor Man’s Stew is the ultimate comfort food that won’t break the bank! Packed with tender ground beef, chunky vegetables, and savory broth, this slow cooker marvel practically cooks itself while you go about your day. The combination of beef broth, tomato paste, and beefy onion soup mix creates an incredibly rich flavor profile that tastes like it simmered all day on your grandmother’s stove – because technically, it did!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: The protein foundation that adds richness and substance. The 80/20 blend provides enough fat for flavor without making the stew greasy.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that adds depth and umami to the broth while helping to thicken the stew.
• Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes hold their shape while absorbing all those delicious flavors. Cut them into large chunks so they don’t disappear during cooking.
• Carrots: Add natural sweetness, beautiful color, and essential nutrients. The larger dice ensures they’ll remain tender but not mushy.
• Sweet Yellow Onion: Provides aromatic flavor without overwhelming sharpness. Vidalia or other sweet varieties mellow beautifully during slow cooking.
• Beef Broth: Forms the liquid base of your stew. Low-sodium versions let you control the saltiness.
• Diced Tomatoes: The canned version with roasted garlic and onions adds convenience plus an extra flavor boost.
• Beefy Onion Soup Mix: Your secret weapon! This packet contains all the savory seasonings and thickeners needed to create a complex-tasting broth without a spice cabinet full of ingredients.
• Dried Parsley: Adds a subtle herbaceous note and beautiful flecks of green throughout the stew.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that pull everything together.

Variations

Want to customize your Poor Man’s Stew? Here are some delicious options:

• Vegetable Boost: Add frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
• Herbaceous Twist: Toss in a bay leaf or some dried thyme for additional aromatic flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
• Stretching Further: Add a can of drained kidney beans or cannellini beans to make the stew feed even more people.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with extra beans, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat alternative.

How to Make Poor Man’s Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess grease, then transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste

Mix the tomato paste directly into the warm beef. This prevents the paste from staying in an unappetizing lump and helps it distribute evenly throughout the stew.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add your large-diced russet potatoes, carrots, and sweet onions to the slow cooker, arranging them on top of the beef mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Broth

In a separate bowl, combine beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, the entire packet of beefy onion soup mix, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Pour the broth mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure even distribution. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.

Step 6: Reduce and Serve

Remove the lid during the final 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate, which naturally thickens the stew. Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve

This hearty stew is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round it out:

Simple Sides:

Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or buttermilk biscuits for sopping up that delicious broth.

Freshness Boost:

A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides welcome contrast to the hearty stew.

Toppings Bar:

Set out small bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew actually tastes better the next day! Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop.

Freezing

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Leave about an inch of headspace for expansion. For best results, cool completely before freezing.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed to reach desired consistency. Alternatively, microwave in a covered container, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Poor Man’s Stew proves that comfort food doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With just minutes of prep and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal that fills both bellies and hearts. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, weekend meal prep, or anytime you want to serve up some homestyle goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this budget-friendly gem a try – your wallet and your taste buds will thank you!

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