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Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew
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Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is a budget-friendly, hearty, and comforting slow-cooked meal packed with ground meat, potatoes, carrots, and savory seasonings. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, this stew combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, nutritious bowl that’s easy to prepare and enjoy any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Vegetables

  • 3 large potatoes, diced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups beef broth

Seasonings

  • 1–2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional herbs: rosemary, thyme, parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the potatoes, carrots, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and gather your ground meat and seasonings. This prep sets you up for a smooth and quick assembly.
  2. Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it is browned and no longer pink. This step adds rich flavor and texture before slow cooking.
  3. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Layer the browned meat, chopped vegetables, garlic, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, and beef broth in your slow cooker. Sprinkle seasoning and add bay leaves for depth.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Add Final Touches: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in any frozen peas or corn if using. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning as needed. Your stew is now ready to enjoy!

Notes

  • Brown meat first to enhance flavor and prevent grease buildup in the stew.
  • Chop vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking and a consistent texture throughout.
  • Don’t overfill the crock pot; leave space for proper heat circulation and prevent overflowing.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end since slow cooking dulls spices; taste and fine-tune before serving.
  • Use fresh herbs late in cooking to add fresh aroma and brightness without losing potency.

Nutrition

Keywords: crock pot stew, budget-friendly stew, slow cooker recipe, hearty stew, easy family dinner, ground beef stew, ground turkey stew

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/crock-pot-poor-mans-stew/