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Crock Pot Poor Man's Stew

A hearty, comforting stew made with ground beef and simple vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights and chilly weekends.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) Use leaner beef if you drain excess fat.
  • 4 cups beef broth Use low-sodium if adding extra salt.
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced Yukon Gold or russet varieties work well.
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced Or use halved baby carrots.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Yellow or sweet onion is preferred.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Or substitute with 1 tsp garlic powder.
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried thyme Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off excess fat.
  2. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
  3. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices). Sprinkle the dried thyme over the top and season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. You can adjust seasonings later.
  4. Stir everything together to combine and allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
  2. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Add splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. For a thicker stew, consider adding pearl barley or a cornstarch slurry at the end. Fresh herbs can bring brightness before serving.