CrockPot Poor Man’s Stew (aka Hamburger Stew)
A delicious crock pot recipe using simple ingredients, this Poor Man's Stew is a family favorite. It's an easy dinner to make, budget friendly and delicious!
Servings 6
Calories 303kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 medium onion sliced into chunks
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Liquid and Seasonings
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes canned
- 4 cups beef stock can sub chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Vegetables
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced large
- 2 medium carrots roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (add these at the end of cooking time)
For thickening
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
Prep the meat and veggies
- Peel and chop 2 medium potatoes, 2 medium carrots, 1 medium onion, and 2 celery stalks. Mince 2 cloves garlic.
- Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook 30 more seconds.
- Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Mix together the liquid and seasonings
- In a large bowl, mix together the 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, 4 cups beef stock, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (can sub dried thyme).
Combine and Cook
- Add the browned ground beef mixture, liquid mixture, and the potatoes, carrots and celery to your slow cooker.
- Mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or 4 hours on high.
Thicken the stew
- Remove about half a cup of the cooking liquid, and mix 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour into it until smooth, then stir the mixture into the pot.
- Add 1 cup frozen peas (if using) at this point.
- Cook 30 more minutes.
Notes
Make ahead
- Make this overnight, and pack into the fridge in the morning - helpful when you'll be gone more than 7 hours from home!
- Add frozen green beans to the last half hour of cooking!
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce will add to the savory flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste will boost the tomato flavor.
- Use chicken stock if you don't have beef broth.
- Tomato soup will work in a pinch to replace the canned diced tomatoes.
- Use a blend of turkey and beef to make it a bit healthier
Nutrition
Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 731mg | Potassium: 1079mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 6871IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 6mg
