Poor Man’s Stewv

5

A classic, budget-friendly comfort meal made with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a family on a budget.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
7. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
8. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Slow Cooker Version

1. Brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic in a skillet.
2. Transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients except the peas.
3. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
4. Stir in the peas during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup green beans
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor

Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread or garlic bread
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Cornbread
• A simple green salad
• Shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled on top

This humble stew is hearty, inexpensive, and satisfying, making it a timeless comfort food that’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.