Can I use different meat in this stew?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option, though the flavor profile will change slightly. You could also use cubed stew beef, but you'll need to increase the cooking time to 7-8 hours on LOW for the meat to become tender.

My stew seems too watery. How can I thicken it?

The easiest fix is removing the lid for the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir this slurry into the hot stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this stew on the stovetop or in the oven instead?

Yes! For stovetop, use a heavy Dutch oven to brown the meat, then add all ingredients and simmer covered on low for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. For oven-baking, combine all ingredients in an oven-safe Dutch oven and cook covered at 325°F for 2-3 hours.

The recipe calls for a specific canned tomato variety. What if I can't find it?

Regular diced tomatoes work perfectly fine! Just add an extra clove of minced garlic and a tablespoon of finely diced onion (or ½ teaspoon onion powder) to the broth mixture.

Poor Man's Stew Recipe

Description

This hearty and comforting Poor Man’s Stew is rich in flavor, easy to make, and budget-friendly. Made with tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a medley of seasonings, this slow-cooked dish is perfect for a family meal. The simple ingredients come together in a flavorful, savory stew that is satisfying and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat

1 pound ground beef (80/20% blend)

Vegetables

4 cups russet potatoes, large diced
2 cups carrots, large diced
1 cup sweet yellow onion (Vidalia onion), large diced

Liquids & Canned Goods

2 cups low-sodium beef broth
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with roasted garlic and onions

Seasoning

4 tablespoons tomato paste
1.8 ounces Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 3 to 5 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to the insert of your slow cooker.
Add Tomato Paste
Stir the tomato paste into the warm ground beef in the slow cooker. This ensures the tomato paste is evenly incorporated and does not clump while cooking.
Add Vegetables
Add the diced russet potatoes, carrots, and sweet yellow onions to the slow cooker. Spread them evenly over the ground beef.
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the low-sodium beef broth, diced tomatoes with roasted garlic and onions, Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix, dried parsley flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to mix the seasonings.
Combine and Start Cooking
Pour the sauce evenly over the vegetables and ground beef in the slow cooker. Gently stir the ingredients to distribute the flavors evenly. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Thicken the Stew
For the last 30 minutes of cook time, remove the lid to allow excess liquid to evaporate and slightly thicken the stew.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Ground beef can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for convenience.
If you prefer a longer cooking time, you can cook the stew on LOW heat in the slow cooker for 6 to 7 hours instead.
If serving is delayed, the crockpot can be left on the “warm” setting for a little longer without overcooking the stew.
For extra flavor, you can use roasted vegetables or substitute sweet potatoes for russet potatoes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 275
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 870mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 45mg