Poor Man’s Stew

Imagine a pot simmering on the stove, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of seasoned beef and hearty vegetables.

Poor Man’s Stew is the essence of simplicity, a warm embrace in a bowl that offers both ease and satisfaction.

As the ingredients meld together, they transform into a rich, savory stew that belies its humble beginnings.

Let’s bring this cozy, delicious dish to life and savor each comforting bite.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 measuring cup

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 cups water
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Poor Man’s Stew, you can follow the timeline below:

1. Reading the Recipe (5 minutes):
   • Take a few minutes to read through the entire recipe and gather all the equipment and ingredients needed.
2. Preparation (15 minutes):
   • Start by chopping the onion, slicing the carrots, and dicing the potatoes.
   • Measure out the seasonings and other ingredients.
3. Cooking (1 hour):
   • 0:00 to 0:10 minutes: Heat the pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef, stirring occasionally.
   • 0:10 to 0:15 minutes: Drain the excess fat from the pot.
   • 0:15 to 0:20 minutes: Add the diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onion to the pot. Pour in the water and stir to combine.
   • 0:20 to 0:25 minutes: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the stew to a boil.
   • 0:25 to 1:20 minutes: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Resting Time (10 minutes):
   • 1:20 to 1:30 minutes: Remove the stew from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
5. Serving:
   • Serve the stew with crusty bread or a side salad if desired.

Adjust the timeline slightly if needed, based on your cooking pace and any additional ingredients or modifications you choose to incorporate.

Recipe Instructions

Heat the large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef.

Cook the ground beef until browned, stirring occasionally.

Drain excess fat from the pot.

Add the diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onion to the pot.

Pour in the water and stir to combine.

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the rich flavors of the stew.
• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh side salad for a revitalizing contrast to the hearty stew.
• Rice: Serve over a bed of rice to add an extra layer of texture and make the meal more filling.
• Mashed Potatoes: Offer alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying combination.
• Grated Cheese: Top with grated cheese for an extra touch of creaminess and flavor.

Storage

Store Poor Man’s Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Poor Man’s Stew, let it cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving space for expansion.

Label with date and use within 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat Poor Man’s Stew, transfer it to a pot over medium heat.

Stir occasionally until heated through.

Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish.

Cover and microwave on medium power.

Final Thoughts

Poor Man’s Stew is a comforting and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish that anyone can make and enjoy.

The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and seasonings creates a hearty and flavorful stew that’s sure to satisfy.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly day, Poor Man’s Stew is an excellent choice.

Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Give this recipe a try and savor the delicious taste of a classic American dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute the Ground Beef With Another Protein?

Absolutely, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Use the same 1-pound measurement and cook until browned. Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin.

How Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with 1 pound of crumbled firm tofu or tempeh. Enhance umami by adding 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Incorporate vegetable broth instead of water for a richer, more flavorful base.

What Is the Origin of the Name “Poor Mans Stew”?

You’re curious about the name’s origin? “Poor Man’s Stew” likely refers to its affordable, accessible ingredients. Historically, it allowed families to create a hearty, nutritious meal without breaking the bank, using basic, readily available components.

Is It Possible to Cook This Stew in a Slow Cooker?

You can absolutely use a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then transfer it to the cooker with all ingredients. Set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally for even cooking.

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned Ones?

You can substitute canned tomatoes with fresh ones by using approximately 2 cups of diced tomatoes. Make certain they’re ripe for best flavor. Blanch and peel them first to maintain the stew’s texture and achieve a professional finish.

Poor Man’s Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 measuring cup

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 cups water
• 2 medium potatoes diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes 15 ounces
• 1 cup carrots sliced
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

 

• Heat the large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef.
• Cook the ground beef until browned, stirring occasionally.
• Drain excess fat from the pot.
• Add the diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onion to the pot.
• Pour in the water and stir to combine.
• Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a thicker stew, use less water or add a tablespoon of flour mixed with cold water to the pot. You can adjust the seasoning to taste or add additional vegetables like peas or corn to enhance the flavor. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.