Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew - Easy Recipes Life

Introduction

Welcome to our Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew recipe! This hearty and budget-friendly dish is perfect for those days when you want a delicious and comforting meal without breaking the bank. With its rich flavors and tender meat, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why you’ll love this Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew:

1. Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this stew simmering away in your slow cooker in no time.

2. Budget-friendly: This recipe is designed to be affordable, using inexpensive cuts of meat and pantry staples.

3. Versatile: Feel free to customize this stew by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

4. Delicious leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Ingredients

For this Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew, you will need:

– 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 4 potatoes, peeled and diced

– 3 carrots, sliced

– 1 onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 cups beef broth

– 1 can diced tomatoes

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

– Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer the meat to the slow cooker.

2. In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent.

3. Add the onions and garlic to the slow cooker along with the diced potatoes, carrots, beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

5. Serve the stew hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Success

– For a deeper flavor, you can sear the beef stew meat in the skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker.

– If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

– Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or peas to the stew for extra flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

– If you don’t have beef stew meat, you can use pork or chicken instead.

– For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with mushrooms or tofu.

– If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium beef broth or substitute it with vegetable broth.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

– Crusty bread for dipping

– Mashed potatoes for a heartier meal

– A side salad for a fresh contrast

– A glass of red wine to complement the flavors

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Yes, this stew freezes well. Simply let it cool completely, transfer it to airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I cook this stew on the stovetop?

A: Absolutely! Follow the same steps, but instead of using a slow cooker, simmer the stew on the stovetop over low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.

Q: Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can. Brown the meat using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of stew, and this Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew delivers on both taste and affordability. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to enjoy a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out!