2. Pour the beef broth evenly over everything. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Beef broth being poured over raw ground beef, onions, and seasonings in a slow cooker
Beef broth being poured over raw ground beef, onions, and seasonings in a slow cooker
3. About 1 hour before serving, open the slow cooker and use a spoon to break up the beef into smaller crumbles. Stir well so the meat, vegetables, and broth come together into a chunky stew.
4. Taste the broth and add a little more salt or pepper if needed. If you’d like a slightly thicker stew, mash a few potato pieces right into the broth and stir.
Cooked stew being stirred in the slow cooker with tender potatoes, carrots, and crumbled beef
Cooked stew being stirred in the slow cooker with tender potatoes, carrots, and crumbled beef
5. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot.
Final plated bowl of poor man’s stew served with bread on the side
Final plated bowl of poor man’s stew served with bread on the side
Variations & Tips
Add peas: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a little color and sweetness. This is a nice way to make the stew feel a touch more complete without adding much extra work.
Tomato-style version: For a slightly different flavor, add a small can of tomato sauce along with the broth. It gives the stew a richer, more old-fashioned diner-style taste that some families really love.
Variation of the stew with peas stirred in for extra color
Variation of the stew with peas stirred in for extra color
Thicker stew tip: If your family likes a stew that eats more like a bowl meal than a soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes right into the broth before serving. You can also leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 20 to 30 minutes to let a little liquid cook off.
For picky eaters: Cut the carrots and potatoes a little smaller so every bite is easy to manage, and serve with shredded cheddar on top. Sometimes a sprinkle of cheese is all it takes to win over a hesitant eater.
Make-ahead shortcut: Peel and chop the vegetables the night before and keep them in the refrigerator. In the morning, all you have to do is add everything to the slow cooker and pour the broth over the top.
Tomato-style variation of poor man’s stew served in a rustic bowl