Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

September 17, 2026 Recipes

We all have those days when a warm, hearty meal feels like a big hug. I remember the first time I made Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew; the scent of beef and vegetables filled my kitchen, making me feel cozy and content. This dish has a special place in my heart, as it combines simple ingredients to create something truly comforting. It’s a recipe that reminds us that with creativity and a slow cooker, we can turn everyday items into a delicious meal. What makes this stew special is its simplicity and the way it brings family and friends together around the table.

Table of Contents

why make this recipe

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is perfect for those who want an easy, wholesome meal without a lot of fuss. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and allows you to use common ingredients that you likely already have at home. This recipe is great for busy days when you want to come home to a hot dinner waiting for you, or for gatherings where you need to feed a crowd. The slow cooking process melds the flavors, making it more delicious without extra effort.

how to make Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup green beans, chopped

Directions

In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Drain the fat.
Transfer the ground beef and onions to the crock pot.
Add the carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and green beans.
Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
Serve hot.

how to serve Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

Serve the stew warm with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.

how to store Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date.

tips to make Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

Feel free to add any other vegetables you love or have on hand, like corn or peas.
For extra flavor, sauté the garlic before adding it to the pot.
Make sure to check the seasoning before serving – sometimes a bit more salt or pepper can make all the difference!

variation

You can easily turn this stew into a vegetarian option by replacing the ground beef with lentils and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

FAQs

1. Can I make this stew without meat?

Yes! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or add more vegetables to make it vegetarian.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be added directly to the pot. Just make sure they are cooked through by the end of the cooking time.

3. How do I know when the stew is done?

The stew is done when the vegetables are tender and easily pierced with a fork.