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Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew – Hearty, Affordable & Delicious Comfort Food

Looking for a comforting and budget-friendly dinner? This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is the ultimate one-pot meal made with simple ingredients like ground beef, root vegetables, and pantry spices. It’s the perfect slow-cooked solution for busy weeknights, cold days, or when you want a warm, filling dish without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

To make this rich and satisfying stew, you’ll need:

1 kg beef mince (ground beef)
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
1 diced swede (rutabaga or turnip)
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp garlic granules
1 tbsp onion powder
4 tbsp tomato purée
2 cups hot water
2 beef Oxo cubes (or bouillon cubes)
4 drops Worcestershire sauce
This dish is not only filling and flavorful—it’s also super flexible. Use whatever root veggies you have on hand!

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

For deeper flavor, you can brown the beef mince in a skillet over medium heat before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds richness and helps reduce excess grease.

Short on time? You can skip this and just add the raw mince to the slow cooker—no problem!

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Peel and dice the following:

Onion – finely chopped
Carrots – thinly sliced or diced
Swede – cut into small cubes
Potatoes – peeled and diced evenly

This mix of root vegetables gives the stew body, sweetness, and heartiness.

Step 3: Load the Slow Cooker

Into the slow cooker, add:

Beef mince (browned or raw)
Prepared vegetables (onion, carrots, swede, potatoes)
1 tsp oregano
1 tbsp garlic granules
1 tbsp onion powder
4 tbsp tomato purée
4 drops Worcestershire sauce

Step 4: Add the Broth

In a jug, mix:

2 cups hot water
2 Oxo cubes, crumbled and dissolved

Pour the broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until:

The potatoes and swede are fork-tender
The mince is fully cooked and infused with flavor
The stew is thick and hearty
Stir occasionally (if possible) to distribute the flavors, especially if cooking on HIGH.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this rich and rustic Poor Man’s Stew with:

Crusty bread or buttered rolls
A sprinkle of fresh parsley for color
A dash of black pepper or hot sauce, if desired

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even batch-cooking and freezing for later!

Tips & Variations

Vegetable Variations:

Add peas, green beans, or sweetcorn in the last hour for extra color and texture.
Swap swede with parsnips or turnips if desired.

Spice It Up:

Add 1/2 tsp chili flakes or smoked paprika for a touch of heat and smokiness.

Extra Tomato Flavor:

Stir in a can of chopped tomatoes if you prefer a saucier stew.

Storage & Meal Prep:

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in a pot or microwave until heated through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients
One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanupKid-Approved: Simple, mild flavors
Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it!

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is proof that humble ingredients can create a deeply satisfying and comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking on a budget or just want an easy, fuss-free dinner, this stew delivers every time.

Slow Cooker Poor Mans Stew