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Poor Man’s Beef Stew: Hearty, Simple, and Comforting

When the weather turns chilly, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, hearty beef stew. This recipe for Poor Man’s Beef Stew is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Using ground beef instead of stew meat keeps costs low without sacrificing taste, and cooking it slowly allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This is a dish that warms the soul and fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of home-cooked goodness.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. With basic ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions, plus pantry staples like Worcestershire sauce and bouillon cubes, you can create a rich, comforting meal without breaking the bank. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this stew is a family favorite that’s easy to make and impossible not to love.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, browned
6 medium potatoes
6–8 medium carrots
1 small onion
¼ tsp thyme
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 oz tomato paste
3 tbsp corn starch
1 cup water
Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Brown the beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat. Place the browned beef into a slow cooker.
Prep the vegetables: Slice the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the diced onion.
Add seasonings: Sprinkle in thyme, crumble the beef bouillon cubes, and add Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the corn starch with water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well. The sauce will thicken as you stir.
Serve: Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, serve the stew hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Tips, Tricks & Kitchen Notes

Timing: Don’t make the cornstarch mixture too far in advance. It will settle and create lumps.
Vegetable size: Larger pieces of potatoes and carrots hold up better during the long slow-cook.
Flavor boost: Add a splash of your favorite red wine or a pinch of paprika for a deeper flavor.
Leftovers: This stew reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Serving suggestions: Serve with crusty bread, over rice, or with a side salad for a complete meal.

Sides That Pair Well

Complement your Poor Man’s Beef Stew with these sides from Joyful Little Things for a full, hearty meal:

If you loved this kitchen hack, be sure to share it on Pinterest – Joyful Little Things or Facebook – Joyful Little Things, and don’t forget to follow along for more delicious, family-friendly recipes!

Pinterest link: https://www.pinterest.com/deeannbylsma/
Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/joyfullittlethings

Poor Man’s Beef Stew

This recipe for Poor Man's Beef Stew is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Using ground beef instead of stew meat keeps costs low without sacrificing taste, and cooking it slowly allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This is a dish that warms the soul and fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of home-cooked goodness.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beef stew, slowcooker recipe, crockpot recipe, casserole, gorund beef recipe, comfort food, budget-friendly dinner, classic beef stew, comfort food, easy beef stew, easy weeknight dinner, family dinner recipes, ground beef recipe, ground beef stew, hearty beef stew, homemade beef stew, inexpensive meals, one-pot meal, Poor man’s beef stew, savory stew, simple stew recipe, slow cooker stew

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 6

Total Time: 5 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 411kcal

Equipment

1 Slow cooker
1 Small bowl

Ingredients

1 lb Ground Beef browned
6 medium Potatoes
6-8 medium Carrots
1 small Onion
¼ tsp Thyme
2 each Beef Boullion Cubes
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 gloves Garlic minced
2 oz Tomato Paste
3 tbsp Corn Starch
1 cup Water
Salt & Pepper

Instructions

Bron and drain the ground beef. Put into the slow cooker.
Slice potatoes and carrots into bigger bite sized pieces. Put into the slow cooker.
Add the diced onion, thyme, beef Boullion cubes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and tomato paste. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Slow cook on low for 6 hours or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Let's thicken the sauce. In a small bowl add the water and the cornstarch. Mix until it is smooth with no lumps. Do not make this mixture too far in advance. The cornstarch will settle, and it create lumps.
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker. Stir well. It will thicken as you stir it. Once thick it is ready to serve and enjoy.