Savory & Simple Crock Pot Poor Mans Stew Recipe for Dinner

Looking for a hearty, budget-friendly dinner that feeds the whole family without fuss? This poor mans stew is the answer. Made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and canned tomatoes, it simmers all day in your crock pot into a thick, flavorful stew that tastes like comfort in a bowl.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, tight grocery budgets, or chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. Toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a wholesome, nourishing meal that makes leftovers you’ll be glad to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 💲 Budget-friendly – Made with inexpensive ingredients you likely already have
• 🥔 Hearty and filling – Packed with potatoes, carrots, and protein
• 🕒 Easy to make – Just chop, drop, and slow cook
• ❄️ Freezer-friendly – Great for meal prep and leftovers
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family approved – Classic flavors even picky eaters enjoy

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp paprika (optional for added warmth)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth of flavor)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add to Crock Pot
   Add browned beef to your slow cooker along with potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic.
3. Add Tomatoes & Seasonings
   Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir in salt, pepper, oregano, basil, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Cook Low & Slow
   Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and stew is thickened.
5. Taste & Serve
   Stir well, adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and crusty bread on the side.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW (or 4–5 hours on HIGH)
• Total Time: ~8 hours
• Servings: 6

Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 680mg

Nutritional values are estimates based on typical ingredients.

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the beef and add lentils or beans
• Add more veggies: Try celery, green beans, or frozen peas
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat
• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or sausage for a twist
• Make it thicker: Stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes if you like a thicker stew

Savory & Simple Crock Pot Poor Mans Stew

This crock pot poor mans stew is the ultimate one-pot meal — budget-friendly, hearty, and perfect for feeding a family or freezing for later.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb ground beef
• – 3 large potatoes diced
• – 3 carrots sliced
• – 1 medium onion chopped
• – 2 cloves garlic minced
• – 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• – 1 6 oz can tomato paste
• – 2 cups beef broth
• – 1 tsp salt
• – ½ tsp pepper
• – 1 tsp oregano
• – 1 tsp basil
• – ½ tsp paprika optional
• – 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional
• – Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slow cooker
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Method

 

1. Brown ground beef in skillet; drain grease.
2. Add beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to crock pot.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, paste, and broth. Add all seasonings.
4. Cover and cook on LOW 7–8 hrs or HIGH 4–5 hrs.
5. Stir, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

– Make vegetarian with lentils or beans
– Store up to 3–4 days in fridge
– Great for meal prep and batch freezing

FAQs

Can I make this without browning the beef first?
Yes, but browning adds depth and flavor. If you’re in a rush, it’s totally fine to add raw ground beef straight into the crock pot.

How long does it last in the fridge?
It keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Can I freeze poor man’s stew?
Absolutely! Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Sweet potatoes add a hint of natural sweetness that complements the tomato base nicely.

Conclusion

This poor mans stew is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a flavorful, filling dinner. With just a few staples and a trusty crock pot, you can create a hearty meal that’s rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for make-ahead meals, meal trains, or cozy evenings at home, this stew is a keeper in any home cook’s rotation.