Name: Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe
Prep time: 19 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 19 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 tsp garlic, minced; 3½ cups beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 5 carrots, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 lb russet potatoes, washed, skinned, and cut into pieces; 6 oz tomato paste; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp dried rosemary; ½ tsp dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; ¼ cups cold water; 3 tbsp cornstarch

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 18 reviews

Warm, nostalgic, and absolutely packed with flavor, Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew captures everything we love about comforting home-cooked meals — all while being kind to your wallet and brilliantly simple to prepare. This slow-cooked classic brings together tender ground beef, rustic veggies, and heaps of savory seasonings in a hearty tomato-based broth. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal to stretch your grocery budget, this dish proves you never have to sacrifice taste for simplicity. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe is a go-to favorite in so many households!

Crock Pot Poor Man's Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew, the magic lies in using everyday ingredients that come together to create pure comfort. Each item has its own role, from building robust flavor to adding satisfying texture and color to every spoonful.

Ground Beef (2 lb): The star of the stew, providing rich, hearty protein and depth.
Medium Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and savoriness, mellowing as it cooks.
Garlic (3 tsp, minced): Brings an aromatic, subtle bite that enhances every layer of flavor.
Beef Broth (3½ cups): Creates the flavorful, soul-warming base that ties everything together.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Gives an irresistible umami kick that really livens up the stew.
Carrots (5, cut into bite-size pieces): Offer a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
Russet Potatoes (1 lb, washed, skinned, and diced): Make the stew filling and help soak up all those wonderful juices.
Tomato Paste (6 oz): Freshens and thickens the broth with a pleasant tang.
Black Pepper (1 tsp): Introduces gentle heat and depth.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for drawing out all the flavors.
Dried Rosemary (½ tsp): Infuses an earthy fragrance and a rustic touch.
Dried Thyme (½ tsp): Partners with rosemary for classic stew notes.
Bay Leaves (2): Subtly perfume the broth as it simmers — don’t forget to take them out before serving!
Cold Water (¼ cup): For blending with cornstarch to thicken the stew at the end.
Cornstarch (3 tbsp): The secret to that satisfyingly hearty, cling-to-your-spoon broth.

How to Make Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by setting your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Breaking it up with your spoon, cook until completely browned and no pink remains, about 6 to 7 minutes. This quick browning step brings irresistible flavor and helps your stew stay hearty instead of greasy. Once browned, drain off any excess fat and transfer the beef to your trusty 6-quart crock pot.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Flavor Boosters

Pile in your diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and russet potatoes directly on top of the beef. Next, pour in the beef broth, followed by the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and those aromatic bay leaves. No need for perfection here — the slow cooker’s gentle heat will mingle all the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Set and Forget

Pop the lid on your Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew, set it to low for 8 to 9 hours (or high for 4 to 5 if you need dinner sooner), and let the magic happen. Over time, the veggies will soften, the beef will become even more tender, and the entire kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew

About 10 minutes before serving, whisk the cold water with the cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this slurry into your hot stew and stir well. Let it cook a little longer — just until the broth thickens to your ideal consistency. This step turns the cooking liquid into a chunky, stew-like sauce that begs for a hunk of bread to mop it up.

Step 5: Remove Bay Leaves and Serve

Fish out the bay leaves (they’ve done their job!), give everything a final stir, and get ready to ladle up. Bask in that irresistible aroma as you serve up generous helpings of your Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew!

How to Serve Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley amps up the color and adds a pop of freshness right before serving. You can also sprinkle a little shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream for creamy richness, or even a few sliced green onions for extra zip. Each garnish puts a fun, personalized spin on this cozy classic.

Side Dishes

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew begs for something to dunk and swipe up every last bit. Think warm crusty bread, fluffy dinner rolls, or even a chunk of cornbread. For lighter sides, a snappy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders, playing off the hearty, savory richness of the stew.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your stew in bread bowls for the ultimate edible comfort experience, or try ladling it over baked potatoes for a double potato delight. Mini mugs make for a fun, appetizer-friendly presentation at gatherings. However you present it, Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew adapts easily to suit casual dinners or homey celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew will happily keep for up to four days, getting even tastier as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

This stew is a champion for make-ahead meals! Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Stored properly, Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew freezes beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency. You can also microwave individual portions, heating in 1-2 minute bursts and stirring in between until steaming hot.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Using ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter version of Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew, but you’ll still get a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. Just be sure to season well and consider adding a splash of extra Worcestershire or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

What can I substitute for potatoes if I want a lower-carb option?

If you’re looking to cut carbs, swap out the potatoes for peeled, diced turnips or cauliflower florets. Both hold up well in the slow cooker and offer a subtle flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Yes, feel free to get creative! Frozen peas, chopped celery, or green beans work well and add extra nutrition and color. Just toss them in during the last hour of cooking so they stay vibrant and don’t overcook.

Is Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour, making it naturally gluten-free. Always double-check broth and Worcestershire sauce labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free if that’s a concern for your household.

Can this stew be made on the stove if I don’t have a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the beef, then add all ingredients (except the cornstarch mixture) to a large pot. Simmer gently, covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours until veggies are tender. Thicken with the cornstarch slurry as described and enjoy that same irresistible comfort food flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the old-fashioned joy of sharing Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew with family and friends. Its blend of simplicity, affordability, and sheer coziness makes it a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. Don’t wait for a special occasion — gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and discover why this classic stew is destined to become a staple at your table!