Poor Man’s Stew

Poor Man’s Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for budget-friendly meals. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a flavorful tomato-based broth, this stew is easy to prepare and cooks to perfection in the slow cooker. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a comforting dinner without breaking the bank.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1.5 lbs potatoes, diced large
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Add the cooked ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic to a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried oregano until well combined.
3. Pour the tomato paste mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, without opening the lid during the cooking time.
5. Once cooked, serve the Poor Man’s Stew hot with buttered sandwich bread for dipping and enjoying the flavorful broth.

Tips:

• You can customize this stew by adding other vegetables like peas, celery, or green beans according to your preference.
• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or beef broth to the tomato paste mixture.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat before serving.