Poor Man’s Stew

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of stew that’s been simmering away all day, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. Poor Man’s Stew is one of those timeless recipes that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a meal that tastes like a million bucks. This dish is a nostalgic nod to simpler times when my mother would whip up a pot of this hearty stew whenever we were on a tight budget. Despite its humble origins, it always managed to feel like a feast.

This slow cooker recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something filling, delicious, and incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal prep work, you can toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. The result? A rich, savory stew that’s packed with flavor and sure to warm you from the inside out. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Poor Man’s Stew:

• 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base of the stew, providing protein and flavor.
• 2 large carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture to the stew.
• 2 large potatoes, chopped: The potatoes help to bulk up the stew, making it extra filling.
• 1 large onion, chopped: A must for building depth of flavor.
• 1 cup frozen green beans: For a pop of color and a healthy dose of veggies.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a subtle but essential flavor.
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes: These bring a bit of acidity and richness to the broth.
• 2 cups beef broth: The broth creates a savory base that ties all the ingredients together.
• 1 tablespoon paprika: Adds warmth and a slight smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: For a touch of earthiness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Poor Man’s Stew

Ready to make a stew that’s as easy as it is delicious? Let’s get started:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Cook the beef: Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is key to developing the flavor base of your stew. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the stew from becoming too greasy.

Step 2: Assemble the Stew in the Slow Cooker

Combine the ingredients: Transfer the cooked ground beef to your slow cooker. Add 2 large chopped carrots, 2 large chopped potatoes, 1 chopped onion, 1 cup of frozen green beans, and 2 minced garlic cloves.

Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in 2 cans of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir to combine: Give everything a good stir to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed and the flavors begin to meld.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will deepen and the vegetables will become tender.