Savor the Comfort: Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew Recipe
Are you searching for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy on the wallet and packed with flavor? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew – a soul-warming dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and savory seasonings to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking to cozy up with a bowl of homemade goodness, this stew is sure to hit the spot. Join me as we dive into the world of slow cooking and create a meal that’s as delicious as it is budget-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 ½ lb Potatoes, cut into pieces
- 2 Carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups Water
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 6 oz tomato paste (I used a 6 oz can)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 2 tsp Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: To the slow cooker, add the chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onion.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the tomato paste, dried oregano, onion powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Pour Seasoning Mixture: Pour the seasoning mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add water and stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the stew is cooked to perfection, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty stew!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as celery, peas, or green beans to bulk up the nutritional content of the stew.
- Swap Ground Beef: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter option.
- Customize Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences by adding extra herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt this Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew to suit your dietary preferences:
- Low-Carb Potatoes: Replace regular potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a lower-carb alternative that’s still hearty and satisfying.
- Sugar-Free Tomato Paste: Use a sugar-free tomato paste or tomato sauce to reduce the carb content of the stew while maintaining rich tomato flavor.
- Thicken with Xanthan Gum: If desired, thicken the stew with a small amount of xanthan gum instead of flour to keep it low in carbs while still achieving a thick and hearty consistency.
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is the epitome of comfort food – simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few affordable ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to warm your soul and fill your belly. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a convenient weeknight dinner, this stew is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the comforting flavors of this classic dish.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a variation on the classic recipe. Each type of meat will impart its own unique flavor to the stew.
Q: Can I add beans to this stew? A: While beans are a common addition to many stew recipes, this particular version of Poor Man’s Stew does not include beans. However, you can certainly add cooked beans such as kidney beans or black beans if you’d like to increase the protein and fiber content of the dish.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, leftover stew can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? A: Absolutely! To make this stew on the stovetop, follow the same instructions but cook it in a large pot or Dutch oven over low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Q: Can I add wine or broth for extra flavor? A: Yes, you can certainly add a splash of red wine or beef broth to the stew for added depth of flavor. Simply adjust the amount of water accordingly and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Q: Can I make this stew vegetarian? A: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this stew by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of water. Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a hearty and satisfying meatless meal.
With these helpful tips and answers to frequently asked questions, you’re well-equipped to create a delicious and satisfying Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this stew is sure to warm your heart and nourish your body with its comforting flavors. Happy cooking!
