Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew: A Hearty and Budget-Friendly Meal for Any Occasion
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, there’s something deeply comforting about a hearty and wholesome stew simmering away in the slow cooker. And when it comes to simplicity, flavor, and affordability, it’s hard to beat a classic like Poor Man’s Stew. Made with humble ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, this slow cooker stew is not only delicious but also easy on the wallet. Join us as we explore the art of making Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew and discover how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ½ pounds potatoes, cut into pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 ounces tomato paste (1 small can)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
- Place the browned ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, tomato paste, dried oregano, onion powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
- Pour water over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring that they are evenly covered.
- Stir the ingredients to combine, making sure that the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious stew!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a beef bouillon cube to the stew.
- Feel free to customize the stew by adding your favorite vegetables such as peas, green beans, or celery.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- To make a keto-friendly version of Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to reduce the carb content.
- Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
- Omit the carrots or use them sparingly to further reduce the carb count.
- Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli to increase the fiber content and add variety to the stew.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is the epitome of comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this stew is sure to hit the spot. So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of this classic dish fill your kitchen with warmth and aroma. With just a few simple steps, you can create a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious, proving that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this stew? A: Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I add beans to this stew? A: While traditional Poor Man’s Stew doesn’t typically include beans, you can certainly add them if you like. Black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans would all be delicious additions.
Q: Can I cook this stew on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can cook this stew on the stovetop. Simply brown the ground beef in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Q: Can I add herbs like thyme or rosemary to this stew? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf would all add wonderful flavor to the stew. Adjust the amounts according to your preference.
