Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
Looking for an easy slow cooker dinner, a budget-friendly family meal, or a hearty beef stew recipe that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is the ultimate comfort food made with simple pantry staples.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this cheap slow cooker recipe with ground beef and potatoes delivers rich, cozy flavors with minimal effort. Just toss everything into your crockpot and let it simmer into a warm, satisfying meal your whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly meal Made with affordable, everyday ingredients
- Easy slow cooker recipe Minimal prep, perfect for busy days
- Hearty and filling Packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor
- Family-friendly dinner Great for picky eaters
- Nutritious comfort food Includes potatoes, carrots, and onion
- Perfect for meal prep Tastes even better the next day
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Place the ground beef in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Break it up slightly.
- Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and onion on top.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Pour the beef broth evenly over everything.
- Cover and cook:
- LOW for 7–8 hours, or
- HIGH for 4–5 hours
- About 1 hour before serving, break up the beef and stir everything together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- For a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes into the broth.
- Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, homemade stew!
Serving Ideas
Serve this classic beef stew with:
- Warm crusty bread or buttered toast
- Fluffy biscuits
- Rice for an extra filling meal
- A simple green salad or steamed vegetables
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Stew
- Thicker stew: Mash potatoes or let it cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes
- More flavor: Add garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning
- Make ahead: Chop veggies the night before for faster prep
- Kid-friendly tip: Cut vegetables smaller and top with shredded cheese
Easy Variations
- Add peas: Stir in frozen peas in the last 15 minutes
- Tomato version: Add a small can of tomato sauce for richer flavor
- Cheesy twist: Top with shredded cheddar before serving
- Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or hot sauce
