Poor Man’s Stew Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35-40 mins
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water with bouillon cube)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, but adds depth)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or your favorite herb)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
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Cook the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
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Add the veggies: Stir in the onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
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Build the stew: Add the diced potatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well.
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Simmer: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
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Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits.
Pro Tips:
✅ For added flavor, toss in a bay leaf while simmering.
✅ If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
✅ Leftovers taste even better the next day!
This humble yet delicious dish is perfect for those cozy nights in. Enjoy!