Print

Poor Man’s Stew

Poor Man’s Stew
Print Recipe

Poor Man’s Stew is a warm, hearty, and budget-friendly comfort food perfect for cozy evenings. This simple stew uses everyday pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions to create a nourishing, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and adaptable to various preferences. It offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and starches wrapped in a rich, savory broth, ideal for any season and skill level.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or beef stew meat

Vegetables

  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth or stock
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 bay leaf

Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
  • Dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the potatoes, carrots, and onions into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking and proper flavor blending as the stew simmers.
  2. Brown the Meat: Heat a small amount of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the stew light.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté them until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step builds the savory base flavor.
  4. Combine Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, tomato paste or diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Mix gently to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Season and Simmer: Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and fresh thyme sprigs or bay leaves. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
  6. Final Taste and Adjust: Remove bay leaves or thyme sprigs if used. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as desired. Optionally, add fresh herbs or a splash of vinegar for brightness before serving.

Notes

  • Brown meat thoroughly to develop deeper flavor through caramelization.
  • Simmer the stew slowly to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Use fresh herbs added toward the end to brighten the stew and add complexity.
  • Thicken broth naturally by mashing a few potatoes within the stew instead of using flour or cornstarch.
  • Stew tastes better the next day after flavors have had time to develop.

Nutrition

Keywords: poor man's stew, beef stew, budget-friendly dinner, comfort food, easy stew recipe, hearty stew, simple stew

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/poor-mans-stew/