Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
When you think about a comforting meal that won’t break the bank, Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is the perfect answer!
With its simple combination of beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, celery, and tomato paste, this dish proves that hearty flavors can come from affordable ingredients.
You might wonder how such basic ingredients can transform into a meal that warms both the heart and the stomach. Well, prepare to learn all about this delectable recipe, and you’ll discover tips that elevate the dish beyond the ordinary, making it a budget-friendly staple in your kitchen rotation.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients. To make six servings, you should start with about a pound of beef, which adds flavorful protein to the dish.
If beef stew meat is affordable, that makes a nice hearty dish.
But if you’re really needing to watch your pennies, use ground beef in place of stew meat.
Next, grab four medium potatoes, Russet or Golden; they’ll provide bulk and a comforting texture. You’ll also want at least three to four decent-sized carrots, sliced into rounds, for sweetness and color.
Then add a couple of celery stalks, chopped, to enhance the flavor. And a small can of tomato paste will bring richness and depth, while a few cups of beef broth help meld everything together.
Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like thyme or bay leaves for added dimension. Finally, if you want, consider adding some frozen peas for a pop of color and added protein and fiber.
Preparation Steps
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to prepare your Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew. Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes (Russet or Golden) into bite-sized pieces.
Next, peel and slice the carrots, and chop the celery and onion into small chunks.
If your beef stew meat isn’t already cut, trim any excess fat and cube it into manageable pieces.
Brown the beef, whether stew meat or ground beef. Searing stew meat pieces makes them caramelized, resulting in a meaty, rich flavor.
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, celery, and beef. Mix in the tomato paste, seasonings, and any additional ingredients you want to add for flavor.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Cooking Instructions
Cooking your Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is simple and rewarding.
Once you’ve prepared the beef and vegetable mixture, transfer it into your slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. During the cooking process, resist the urge to lift the lid, as this will release heat and extend cooking time.
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Once it’s done, your hearty stew will be ready to enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew, you can easily elevate the meal with a few simple touches.
Start by ladling the stew into colorful bowls for a cozy presentation.
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A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil. For an added crunch, crusty bread or garlic bread pairs perfectly for dipping.
Don’t forget to offer a side salad—something light like a mixed greens salad balances the hearty stew.
Need a tasty dessert idea? How about Healthy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies? Yum!
Storage Tips
To keep your Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew fresh and delicious, proper storage is key.
Once the stew has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the stew may expand when frozen.
You can store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
If you notice any separation or excess liquid after thawing, simply stir it back in.
Avoid reheating more than once to maintain the stew’s quality and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in the Recipe?
Absolutely, you can use other types of meat in the recipe!
Feel free to experiment with chicken, pork, or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking time and seasoning to suit your chosen meat.
How Long Can the Stew Be Kept in the Refrigerator?
You can keep your stew in the refrigerator for about three to four days.
Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
If you need longer, consider freezing it instead!
Is This Stew Suitable for Freezing?
Yes, this stew’s perfect for freezing!
Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Stew?
Absolutely, you can add other vegetables to the stew!
Just chop them up and toss them in.
Think about adding peas, green beans, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
Your stew’ll be even better!
What Can I Serve With the Stew for a Complete Meal?
You can serve crusty bread or dinner rolls alongside the stew for a complete meal.
A fresh salad adds a nice crunch, while a warm dessert can round off the meal perfectly.
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew: Wrapping it up
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is a simple yet satisfying dish that warms you up on chilly days.
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a meal that brings the whole family together.
Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad, this stew is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to store any leftovers for a quick and delicious meal later on.
🥣 Need some ingredients to make this delicious recipe? Use the handy Instacart order button found in the recipe card. The equipment you’ll need and recipe nutrition facts are also found below.
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
6
servings15
minutes6
hours325
kcal6
hours15
minutesA hearty and delicious stew made with simple, inexpensive ingredients, perfect for a budget-friendly meal.
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Equipment
Slow CookerBuy on Amazon
Chef KnifeBuy on Amazon
Cutting BoardBuy on Amazon
Ingredients
1 lb beef, stew meat or ground
4 potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or Gold)
1 medium onion, chopped
4 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
6 cups beef broth
4 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Directions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Peel and slice the carrots, and chop the celery and onion into small chunks
- If your beef stew meat isn’t already cut, trim any excess fat and cube it into manageable pieces. Brown the beef, whether stew meat or ground beef. Searing stew meat pieces makes them caramelized.
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, celery, and beef. Mix in the tomato paste, seasonings, and any additional ingredients you want to add for flavor. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the slow cooker, then cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. During the cooking process, resist the urge to lift the lid, as this will release heat and extend cooking time.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1g
- Total number of serves: 6
- Calories: 325kcal
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Potassium: 820mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 60IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 3mg
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