Poor Man’s Stew

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Poor Man’s Stew

Hearty Beef & Vegetable Comfort Stew

Description

Poor Man’s Stew is a humble, old-fashioned one-pot meal made with simple, affordable ingredients that deliver deep flavor and serious comfort. Ground beef, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and savory broth come together to create a filling stew that warms you from the inside out. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to eat well.

Servings

Serves: 4–6 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 4 large potatoes, diced

  • 4 carrots, sliced

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups beef broth

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Optional Add-Ins (Use What You Have)

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 cup frozen peas or corn

  • Red pepper flakes (for heat)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef
    In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

  2. Build the Flavor
    Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
    Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Season
    Add salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to coat the meat evenly.

  4. Add Vegetables & Broth
    Add the potatoes and carrots. Pour in the beef broth and stir well.
    Add tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce here if using.

  5. Simmer
    Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.

  6. Finish & Serve
    Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    Stir in peas or corn during the last 5 minutes if desired.

Notes

  • This stew naturally thickens as the potatoes release starch.

  • Flavor improves after resting—leftovers are even better the next day.

  • Easily doubled for meal prep or freezing.

Tips for Success

  • Cut potatoes evenly for consistent cooking

  • Don’t rush the simmer—slow cooking builds flavor

  • Thicker stew? Mash a few potatoes in the pot

  • Richer taste: Use beef bone broth if available

  • Budget boost: Add extra potatoes or carrots to stretch servings

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

(Based on 5 servings)

  • Calories: ~350

  • Protein: ~22g

  • Carbohydrates: ~30g

  • Fat: ~15g

  • Fiber: ~5g

  • Sodium: ~600mg

(Values vary depending on broth and fat content of beef.)

Health Benefits

  • High protein supports muscle and keeps you full

  • Potatoes & carrots provide potassium, fiber, and vitamin A

  • Garlic & onion support immune health

  • Balanced meal with carbs, protein, and fats in one bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Q: Can I freeze Poor Man’s Stew?
A: Absolutely. Cool completely and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, but add a little extra seasoning or Worcestershire sauce for depth.

Q: How can I make it thicker?
A: Mash potatoes, simmer uncovered, or add a cornstarch slurry.

Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: Very! Mild, filling, and customizable.

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