There’s something special about the kind of meal that takes you back to simpler times — when dinner meant gathering around the table, no fuss, just comfort. This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is one of those dishes. It comes from humble beginnings, born out of the need to stretch a few basic ingredients into something filling, flavorful, and satisfying.
I remember my grandma making a version of this on chilly evenings. She’d toss whatever vegetables were left in the pantry into the pot, along with some ground beef and a couple of scoops of tomato paste. By the time the stew had simmered all afternoon, the house was filled with that rich, hearty aroma that said, “You’re home.”
This recipe keeps that old-fashioned charm but makes it easier with a slow cooker. Toss everything in, go about your day, and come back to a warm, soul-soothing bowl of stew that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen — no matter what your budget is.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn (add during last hour)
