There’s something irresistibly comforting about a stew that’s been simmering all day, filling the house with its rich, savory aroma. Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is one of those dishes that embodies warmth and homey goodness, making it a staple for those chilly evenings or busy days when you want a meal that’s ready to greet you with open arms.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s reminiscent of family dinners from my childhood, where hearty meals were a way to bring everyone together. It was my grandmother’s go-to recipe for feeding a crowd on a budget. With its uncomplicated ingredients and minimal prep work, this stew not only satisfied our hunger but also allowed us to enjoy quality time around the table. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion
2 medium carrots
4 medium russet potatoes
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 beef bouillon cubes
2 cups hot water
4 drops Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ground Beef
Start by browning 2 pounds of ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. This process usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary. Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is cooking, peel and dice 4 medium russet potatoes and 2 medium carrots. The size of the potato and carrot pieces should be uniform to ensure even cooking. Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker with the browned beef.
Next, chop 1 medium onion finely. Add the chopped onion to the slow cooker along with the potatoes and carrots. The onion will cook down and infuse the stew with its rich flavor as it simmers.
3. Season the Stew
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder over the ingredients in the slow cooker. These seasonings will enhance the flavor of the stew, giving it a robust and savory profile. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Prepare the Liquid Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of tomato paste with 2 cups of hot water. This will create a flavorful base for the stew. Add 2 beef bouillon cubes to the mixture and stir until the cubes are fully dissolved. The bouillon cubes add a deep, meaty flavor that complements the ground beef. Add 4 drops of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture for an extra layer of complexity and tang.
5. Combine and Cook
Pour the tomato paste mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the mixture. If the liquid doesn’t fully cover the ingredients, add a bit more hot water until everything is just covered.
Set your slow cooker to cook on low heat for 7 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the ingredients will become tender and delicious. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook the stew on high for about 4 hours, but the flavors may not be as developed.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a slurry to thicken it. About 30 minutes before the stew is finished cooking, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the stew and continue to cook for the last 30 minutes. The cornstarch will help thicken the stew, giving it a more hearty and substantial texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cooking time is complete, give the stew a final stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve it hot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rolls, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Variations and Substitutions
**1. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the stew with additional vegetables. Green beans, peas, or corn can be added for extra color and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
**2. Ground Meat Options: If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
**3. Seasoning Adjustments: Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Adding a bay leaf, thyme, or rosemary can provide additional depth of flavor.
**4. Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, ensure that the beef bouillon cubes and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free alternatives.
**5. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable bouillon cubes instead of beef.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is the epitome of comfort food—a dish that warms the soul and fills the belly with its hearty ingredients. Its straightforward preparation and long, slow cooking time allow the flavors to meld perfectly, making it a reliable choice for busy days or cozy nights in. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; you can easily adapt it to suit different dietary preferences or to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand.
This stew is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic experience, a reminder of simpler times, and a celebration of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this stew promises satisfaction in every spoonful. Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavors of Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew, and let it bring a touch of homey happiness to your table.
