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Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is an economical, comforting crockpot meal featuring browned ground beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and a savory tomato base. Easy to assemble and simmered low and slow, it’s perfect for simple family dinners or busy nights.
Pin for Later Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings 5 servings

Equipment

  • 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker
  • Skillet (for browning beef)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef browned and drained
  • 1 1/2 lbs russet or gold potatoes peeled and diced into large pieces
  • 3 carrots thickly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or substitute dried oregano
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Instructions
 

  • Place the browned and drained ground beef into a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the peeled, large-diced potatoes, thickly sliced carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic on top of the beef.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the tomato paste with the water until smooth, then stir in the salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Pour this sauce evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
  • Cover the cooker and set it to LOW. Let the stew simmer for 7–8 hours without lifting the lid during cooking so it can develop flavor and the vegetables become tender.
  • When done, give the stew a final stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot alongside buttered sandwich bread or rolls.