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- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 can diced tomatoes - 1 cup broth - 2 cups potatoes - 2 carrots - 1 onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - Fresh parsley (for garnish) To make Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew, you need simple ingredients. Start with 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. This meat gives the stew its hearty base. You can also choose ground turkey for a lighter option. Next, grab a can of diced tomatoes. This adds flavor and moisture to the dish. Then, get 1 cup of broth. Beef or vegetable broth works well. It enhances the stew's taste. You will also need 2 cups of diced potatoes. They add bulk and texture. Don’t forget 2 sliced carrots and 1 chopped onion. These veggies bring sweetness and depth. For flavor, use 2 minced cloves of garlic. Then add 1 teaspoon each of thyme, paprika, and salt. These spices give the stew warmth. A sprinkle of black pepper adds a mild kick. Lastly, have 1 cup of frozen peas and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. The peas add a pop of color and sweetness. The sauce deepens the flavor. Optionally, you can garnish with fresh parsley. It gives a nice touch when serving. With these ingredients, you can create a comforting meal. It's filling and perfect for any day of the week. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Prepping the meat: Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until it's no longer pink, then drain any excess fat. This step adds flavor and texture. - Dicing vegetables: Chop 2 cups of potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice 2 carrots and chop 1 onion. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Fresh veggies make your stew taste great. - Measuring spices and liquids: Measure 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour 1 cup of broth and open a can of diced tomatoes. All these add depth and warmth to the stew. - Browning the meat: As mentioned, browning the meat is key. It gives a rich flavor base for the stew. - Combining ingredients in the Crock Pot: Once the meat is ready, transfer it to the Crock Pot. Add the diced tomatoes, broth, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to mix everything. - Setting cooking time and temperature: Cover the Crock Pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking makes everything tender and flavorful. - Adding peas: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add 1 cup of frozen peas. Stir them in gently. They add a nice pop of color and sweetness. - Adjusting seasoning: After cooking, taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or pepper based on your preference. - Serving suggestions: Serve the stew hot. You can garnish it with fresh parsley if you like. It looks nice and adds a hint of freshness. Enjoy this hearty meal with crusty bread or over rice for a filling dish. Browning meat first makes the stew tastier. Heat a skillet on medium. Add your ground meat and cook until brown. This step adds great flavor. Drain any fat before moving it to the crock pot. To enhance flavor, season well. Use salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish. Mix them in as you layer your ingredients. If you want a change, swap out the meat. Ground turkey is a great alternative. You can also use cooked beans for a vegetarian option. For vegetables, feel free to get creative. Try using sweet potatoes or parsnips instead of regular potatoes. You can also add green beans or corn. If your stew turns out too thick, add more broth. Start with half a cup and stir well. Let it cook a little longer to blend the flavors. If it tastes bland, don't worry. Add more salt, black pepper, or Worcestershire sauce. A splash of vinegar can also brighten the taste. Pro Tips Brown the Meat Well: Ensuring that the ground beef or turkey is well-browned enhances the flavor of the stew. It adds depth and richness to the overall dish. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or corn based on your preference or what you have on hand. Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a portion of the potatoes after cooking or mix in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Make It Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Consider making it a day ahead and reheating for a quick and delicious meal. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Poor Man’s Stew. Just swap the meat for beans or lentils. Both options add protein and fiber. For beans, try black beans or kidney beans. If you choose lentils, red or green work well. Use the same amount as the meat in the original recipe. This makes the stew hearty and filling without any meat. If you want to change up the protein, use chicken or sausage. For chicken, boneless thighs or breasts work best. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the pot. If you prefer sausage, choose spicy or mild varieties. Slice the sausage and brown it before adding it to the stew. Both options will give your Poor Man’s Stew a new twist. You can easily change the flavor profile of your stew. Add spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs, like rosemary or basil, can make your stew more aromatic. If you like a smoky flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika. Experimenting with these spices can make each batch of stew unique and exciting. After your stew cools, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for any expansion. Label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it's been in the fridge. Properly stored, it stays fresh for about three to four days. When you're ready to eat, just grab it from the fridge. To freeze your Poor Man's Stew, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date and contents. This stew can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can reheat your stew safely in two ways: microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until it's hot throughout. For the stovetop, pour the stew into a pot. Heat it over medium-low, stirring often until warm. Both methods help keep the flavors intact. Enjoy your hearty meal! Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew can last up to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, freeze it. It can stay good for about three months in the freezer. Yes, you can prepare Poor Man’s Stew in advance. You can chop the veggies and brown the meat a day before. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready, just combine everything in the Crock Pot and cook. Yes, you can cook Poor Man’s Stew on high heat. Set your Crock Pot to high and cook for 4-5 hours. This will tenderize the veggies and meat quickly. Just keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. You can serve Poor Man's Stew with bread or rice. A simple green salad pairs well too. If you want something warm, try cornbread or biscuits. These sides will soak up the delicious stew flavors. This article details how to make a delicious Poor Man’s Stew in a Crock Pot. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, cooking tips, and variations to suit your taste. Whether using ground meat or going vegetarian, you can create a satisfying meal. Remember to store any leftovers properly for the next day. With these simple steps and methods, you can enjoy this hearty dish anytime. Dive into your kitchen, and start cooking! Your next meal is just a few steps away.

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

A hearty and comforting stew made with ground meat and vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups potatoes, diced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Transfer the cooked meat to the crock pot.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, broth, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the crock pot.
  • Stir all the ingredients to combine thoroughly.
  • Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the vegetables are tender.
  • During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and stir to combine.
  • Once finished, give the stew a good stir and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword beef, comfort food, crock pot, stew