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Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

This hearty and budget-friendly stew is made with ground beef, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Perfect for slow cooking, it delivers comfort and nourishment with minimal effort—ideal for busy weeknights or chilly days.

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Budget-Friendly, Comfort Food, Main Course, One-Pot Meals, Slow Cooker
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 284 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef lean
  • 4 cups potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 cups carrots sliced
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can tomato paste 6 oz
  • 3 cups beef broth low sodium
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker along with potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic.
  • Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, salt, pepper, and dried thyme until well combined.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Serve hot with bread or crackers if desired.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for beef or add peas in the last 30 minutes for extra veggies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 28.3gProtein: 17.5gFat: 8.3gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 580mgFiber: 4.1gSugar: 6.7g
Keyword easy dinner, ground beef, potato, slow cooker, stew