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A hearty bowl of Poor Man's Stew with ground beef, potatoes, and carrots, served with buttered bread.
Paula

Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew Recipe

This Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew Recipe is thick, hearty, and deeply satisfying, made from inexpensive ingredients and requiring minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 297
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 3 medium Russet potatoes peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 medium Carrots peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 large Yellow onion diced
  • 3 stalks Celery sliced
  • 1 can 14.5 oz Canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup Frozen green beans
  • 2 cups Beef broth
Pantry Seasonings & Add-Ins
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • ½ tsp Garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Onion powder
  • ½ tsp Dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp Paprika
  • 2 Bay leaves
Optional Thickener
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Cold water

Method
 

  1. Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until deep golden-brown. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  2. Peel and cube the potatoes, slice the carrots, dice the onion, and slice the celery. Layer potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by onion, celery, garlic, and the browned beef.
  3. Pour 2 cups of beef broth and the canned tomatoes with juice into the slow cooker. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle all seasonings. Stir gently.
  4. Cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. About 30 to 45 minutes before serving, add 1 cup of frozen green beans.
  5. If desired, thicken the broth by mixing 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook uncovered on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. Discard bay leaves, taste the stew, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot in deep bowls.

Notes

The stew improves in flavor on the second day.