Slow Cooker Amish Poor Man’s Stew
If you’re looking for a simple slow cooker dinner with ground beef and potatoes, this Slow Cooker Amish Poor Man’s Stew is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort meal. Made with layers of russet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onion, tomato soup, and beef broth, this hearty crockpot recipe is rich, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare.
This is the kind of dump-and-go slow cooker recipe busy families love no browning required, no complicated steps, and minimal prep. Just layer, pour, and let your crockpot do the work.
Perfect for tight grocery budgets, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, this classic Amish-style ground beef stew is pure Midwestern comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potatoes
Budget-friendly meal made with affordable pantry staples
True dump-and-go crockpot recipe no pre-cooking required
Hearty, filling meat and potato dinner
Perfect for busy weeknights or cold-weather comfort food
Family-approved and kid-friendly
Easy to double for large families
This recipe is ideal if you love slow cooker beef recipes, traditional farmhouse cooking, or simple rustic meals that stretch ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (LOW) or 4 hours (HIGH)
Ingredients:
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound ground beef (80–85% lean)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
1 cup beef broth (or water + 1 tsp beef bouillon)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
Layer the potatoes.
Scatter chopped russet potatoes evenly in the bottom of a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
Add onion and seasoning.
Sprinkle chopped onion over the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
Crumble the ground beef.
Using clean hands, crumble raw ground beef evenly over the potatoes. Break it into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
Mix the sauce.
In a bowl, stir together condensed tomato soup and beef broth until combined.
Pour and cook.
Pour the soup mixture evenly over everything. Do not stir.
Slow cook to perfection.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until potatoes are tender and beef is fully cooked.
Stir and serve.
Gently stir from the bottom to combine. Let sit uncovered 5–10 minutes to thicken before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty crockpot ground beef stew pairs beautifully with:
Buttered white bread or cornbread
Steamed green beans
Coleslaw or garden salad
Pickles and applesauce for a classic farmhouse touch
Variations & Tips:
Add 1–2 chopped carrots for extra color and sweetness.
Swap russet potatoes for Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
Use 90% lean ground beef for a lighter version.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese before serving for a cheesy twist.
Add extra potatoes and broth to stretch the recipe further.
Storage & Meal Prep
This easy slow cooker beef and potato recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or weekly meal prep.
You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
