Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew – A Comforting, Hearty Dish That’ll Warm You Up From the Inside Out

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew is about to become a favorite in your household! Packed with tender vegetables, juicy ground beef, and a rich, hearty tomato-based broth, this stew is the ultimate comfort food that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker. The simple ingredients blend beautifully into a meal that’s hearty, nourishing, and full of flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

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Whether you call it Poor Man's Stew, Hobo Stew, or just plain delicious, this slow cooker recipe is a great way to stretch your ingredients without sacrificing taste. And the best part? It fills your home with the wonderful aroma of slow-simmered goodness, making it an absolute joy to prepare and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew

This stew is all about simplicity and comfort. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables like potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peas, while the ground beef adds protein and flavor. The broth, enhanced with beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and stewed tomatoes, creates a rich, savory base that ties everything together. Best of all, it’s cooked low and slow, meaning you can set it and forget it while it fills your home with mouthwatering aromas.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 18g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 820mg

Cooking Tips

• Thickening the Stew: The flour helps thicken the broth into a rich stew-like consistency. If you prefer an even thicker stew, you can whisk in an additional tablespoon of flour mixed with a little water at the end of cooking.
• Add Some Heat: For a bit of a kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
• Make It Even Heartier: You can add some extra protein by tossing in a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans toward the end of cooking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This stew reheats wonderfully in the microwave or on the stove, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
• Freezing: You can freeze this stew for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat for a quick, comforting meal.

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Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1½ Pounds ground beef
• 1 Onion, diced
• 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 Large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 Medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 Cups green beans, fresh or frozen
• 1½ Cups peas, frozen
• 3 Cups beef broth
• 29 Ounces stewed tomatoes, canned, with juice
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons beef bouillon
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Add the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the cubed potatoes, diced carrots, green beans, and peas on top of the beef.
4. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour the beef broth, canned stewed tomatoes (with juice), and tomato paste over the vegetables. Stir gently to combine.
5. Thicken with Flour and Seasoning: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour and beef bouillon evenly over the stew mixture. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to incorporate the seasonings and flour into the broth.
6. Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve and Garnish: Once the stew is done, give it a final stir and taste for seasoning. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each bowl for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

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Serving Suggestions:

This Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or a side of buttery dinner rolls to soak up all the flavorful broth. You can also top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!

Enjoy every hearty, savory bite of this Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew—it’s the ultimate comfort dish that’s easy on your wallet and your time!