Poor Man’s Stew is a simple, hearty, and budget-friendly comfort meal made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and flavorful broth. This old-fashioned recipe is filling, easy to prepare, and perfect for cozy family dinners using affordable pantry ingredients.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef helps reduce grease.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and texture.
- Beef Broth: Gives the stew rich flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth and heartiness.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add potatoes and carrots to the pot.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with bread or crackers.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Tips
- Simmer longer for deeper flavor.
- Add frozen peas or corn for extra vegetables.
- Use smoked paprika for a richer taste.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Variations
Spicy Stew
Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
Cheesy Version
Top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Slow Cooker Version
Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
Ground Turkey Stew
Replace beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Vegetable-Rich Stew
Add celery, green beans, or peas for more texture and flavor.