Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

Why You’ll Love It

Quick to prepare: You can make this on the stovetop in about 40 minutes.  After you brown the meat, add everything to the soup and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Tastes like a hug in a bowl: This is the recipe if you want to warm yourself with comfort food.
Totally versatile: Honestly, you can add in so many different ingredients. It’s a great way to use up veggies in your fridge.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Ground beef: Use lean ground beef to keep the stew from being too greasy. You can go for a mix of beef and pork.
Potatoes: Choose russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for a starchy, creamy texture.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color to the stew.
Frozen green beans: Fresh green beans can be used instead. If using fresh, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Frozen peas: Peas add a burst of sweetness and color. Fresh peas can be used if in season.
Beef broth: For a richer flavor, use low-sodium beef broth. For a lighter option, substitute vegetable broth.
Stewed tomatoes: Provides a tangy, tomato-based flavor. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the tomatoes before adding them.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the stew. You can use additional stewed tomatoes if you don’t have tomato paste.
Beef bouillon: Adds extra beefy flavor. You can substitute with beef bouillon cubes if needed.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a substitute.

How to Make Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the meat: Cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic in a pan on the stove until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Add to the slow cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add all the vegetables.
Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, stewed tomatoes and tomato paste. Sprinkle the flour and beef bouillon over the mixture and stir well. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook the stew: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the ground beef stew before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Veggies: Okra and corn are great vegetables to add to this stew.
Beef broth: Use chicken broth for a lighter flavor. Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Meat: Use another ground meat like ground turkey, pork or chicken in your hearty stew instead of cooked ground beef.
Stewed tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes if stewed tomatoes are not available. Substitute with tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
Worcestershire sauce: Use soy sauce, balsamic vinegar or tamari instead.
Parsley: Use fresh cilantro or thyme.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Make and serve easy maple turkey sliders, this roasted beet salad, or my brie bites with cranberry.
Main: Serve up a bowl of this steaming slow cooker hobo stew with mashed potato or rice!
Dessert: End with a pumpkin spice latte or these pumpkin smore’s cookies.

How to Store Hamburger Stew

Store: Keep any leftover stew in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: To freeze, let the stew cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw: For best results, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Reheat the thawed stew on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 1 or 2 minutes, until hot.