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Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

ByCorey CreatedSeptember 18, 2023September 22, 2023 UpdatedSeptember 22, 2023

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More and more people are looking for ways to stretch their food budget without sacrificing flavor and nutrition. That’s where the Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew” comes in – a hearty stew, delicious, with simple ingredients that is budget-friendly dish that can be easily made in a crockpot.

This trending recipe combines affordable ingredients like beef, potatoes, and vegetables with simple seasonings to create a flavorful and filling meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Slow Cooker Poor Mans Stew in a crockpot

Recipe Notes:

Use cheaper cuts of meat such as beef chuck or stew meat. I used just 1 lb. of ground beef which runs about $5 currently.

You could also switch things up and use ground turkey

Add plenty of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, green beans, and onions to make the dish more filling and nutritious. I have seen where some will add in peas but not until you are about to serve so they don’t become mushy.

Use simple seasonings such as salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for flavor. If you have garlic powder and onion powder, you can use that as well like I did to really give a punch of flavor.

Consider adding beans to stretch the dish further.

Make sure you cook your meat (if you are using ground beef) beforehand. If you consider more of a stew meat you can add that directly into the crockpot and allow it to cook for the full 7 hours so the meat will be nice and tender.

Use broth or stock instead of water for more depth of flavor.

Try to get seasoned canned diced tomatoes or tomato paste, to add richness and acidity to the stew.

Yukon Gold potatoes: These have a creamy texture and hold up well during cooking.

Red potatoes: These have a thin skin and creamy texture that make them a good choice for stews.

No matter which types of potato you choose, be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Poor man stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze, let the stew cool to room temperature, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and label with the date before placing it in the freezer.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or sausage. Just ensure to brown and drain the chosen meat before adding it to the crockpot.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn to increase the nutritional value and add different textures and flavors to the stew.

How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?

If the stew is too thin for your liking, you can mix a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking. Alternatively, leaving the lid off for the last hour of cooking can help reduce the liquid.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, The best part about this easy crock pot this stew is a great make-ahead meal. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors often deepen and improve with time.

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Can I freeze the leftovers?

Certainly! Poor Man’s Stew freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with the stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with fresh dinner rolls, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for a balanced and hearty meal.