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slow cooker poor man's stew

A hearty, budget-friendly slow cooker stew made with potatoes, carrots, ground beef, and a richly seasoned tomato broth.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Budget
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Stew Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef or stew meat
  • 4 medium potatoes cubed
  • 3 large carrots sliced
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup frozen peas optional
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar optional

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • Mixing spoon
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
  2. Add potatoes, carrots, and onion to the slow cooker.
  3. Add cooked beef or stew meat on top.
  4. Add garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
  5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours.
  7. Add peas during the last 20 minutes if desired.
  8. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.

Notes

For thicker stew, mash a few potatoes at the end of cooking.