Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Comfort Food

Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery soup)
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cubed potatoes (about 1 medium potato, peeled or unpeeled)
• 1 cup sliced carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 cup frozen peas

How to Make Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

This Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is the ultimate testament to how simple ingredients can create a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing deliciousness. The magic lies in its ability to transform budget-friendly staples into a hearty, comforting stew. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, promising a rich, savory dish that will warm you from the inside out. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a sauce that is both rich and incredibly comforting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat (Optional but Recommended): In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew. If you’re short on time, you can skip this and add the raw meat directly to the slow cooker, but the flavor difference is noticeable.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. This forms the aromatic base of your stew.
3. Add Meat and Liquids: Add the browned ground meat (if you browned it) to the slow cooker. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery soup). Stir everything together to combine.
4. Incorporate Broth and Seasonings: Add the beef broth or water to the slow cooker. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it another good stir to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Add Vegetables: Now, add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to the slow cooker. Stir them into the meat and tomato mixture.
6. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the stew is heated through. The longer, slower cooking time on low allows the flavors to develop more deeply.
7. Add Frozen Peas: About 15-20 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. This ensures they are tender but still vibrant green and not mushy.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew into bowls. Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

You’ll absolutely fall in love with this Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew for its incredible heartiness and unbelievably low cost. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, packed with tender potatoes, savory meat, and a rich, tomatoey broth that’s simply divine. Unlike a quick skillet meal that can sometimes fall flat, this slow-cooked wonder develops a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and immensely satisfying, proving that you don’t need expensive ingredients for a truly delicious dinner.

This budget-friendly champion is proof that economical eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or comfort. It’s a meal that your wallet will thank you for, perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank. Whether you’re craving a comforting supper or a simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner, this stew delivers with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Give this Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew a try; it might just become your new go-to recipe!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store any leftover Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.

When reheating, the best method to preserve the texture and flavor is to gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the stew seems a little thick after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of water or beef broth while reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious declaration that comfort and flavor are achievable on any budget. This simple, hearty dish is a testament to the magic of slow cooking and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and experience the wonderfully satisfying taste for yourself!