Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

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Recipe: Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

This stew is the ultimate “set it and forget it” comfort food. It’s thick, filling, and perfect for chilly evenings when you want a warm hug in a bowl.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 7-8 hours (Low) or 4 hours (High)

  • Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Lean ground beef

  • 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 3 large Carrots, sliced into rounds

  • 1 medium Yellow onion, diced

  • 2 cans (10.5 oz) Condensed tomato soup (undiluted)

  • 1 cup Water (or beef broth for extra depth)

  • 1 tsp Garlic powder

  • 1 tsp Dried oregano or Italian seasoning

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain the excess grease thoroughly.

  2. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and diced onion into the bottom of the slow cooker.

  3. Add Protein: Spread the browned beef over the vegetables.

  4. Sauce it Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato soup, water (or broth), garlic powder, and herbs. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables.

  5. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.

  6. Final Touch: Stir gently before serving to incorporate the juices. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Notes & Pro-Tips

  • The Veggie Cut: Cut your potatoes into uniform 1-inch chunks. If they are too small, they’ll turn to mush; too large, and they might stay crunchy.

  • Lean is Keen: Use lean ground beef (90/10) to prevent the stew from becoming too oily. If using fattier meat, don’t skip the draining step!

  • Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of soy sauce to the liquid mix to add a “umami” punch.

  • Thickening: If you prefer an even thicker stew, mash a few of the cooked potato chunks directly into the sauce at the end.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimates based on 1/6th of the recipe.

Nutrient Amount
Calories 310 kcal
Total Fat 9g
Carbohydrates 38g
Protein 22g
Fiber 5g
Sodium 680mg

Benefits of This Dish

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses high-yield, low-cost ingredients like potatoes and carrots.

  • High Satiety: The combination of protein and complex carbohydrates keeps you full for hours.

  • Batch Cooking: This recipe freezes beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

  • Hidden Veggies: It’s an easy way to get picky eaters to consume carrots and onions.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?

A: Absolutely. You can swap the fresh carrots for a frozen pea and carrot mix. Add frozen peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy.

Q: Do I have to brown the beef first?

A: While you can put raw beef in a slow cooker, I don’t recommend it for ground meat. Browning it first improves the texture and allows you to drain the fat, preventing a “grease slick” on top of your stew.

Q: Can I use a different meat?

A: Yes! Ground turkey or venison works perfectly here. Just note that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a teaspoon of olive oil when browning.

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