Poor Man’s Stew

The aroma of savory beef mingling with tender vegetables fills the kitchen, instantly creating a sense of warmth and comfort. Poor Man’s Stew is a hearty dish that takes just about 1.5 hours to prepare, and it works wonderfully because it lets the flavors develop slowly, making each bite more satisfying than the last.

This recipe is perfect for a family gathering or an easy weeknight dinner when you want something nourishing without too much fuss. You can also make it ahead of time, as it stores quite well and tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling, it warms you from the inside out.
• Simple ingredients create a rich, comforting stew.
• One-pot cooking simplifies cleanup after your meal.
• Great for meal prep and tastes better the next day.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

For the Stew

• 500 g ground beef
• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 400 g canned diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Beef broth, enough to cover the ingredients
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Herbs de Provence (optional)

Beef broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
• Fresh herbs can substitute dried herbs for enhanced flavor.
• Any canned tomato type can work.

How to Make It

Start creating your comforting stew with these simple steps.

Sauté

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until they are translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes, bringing out their flavors.

Brown

2. Brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked and nicely browned. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.

Incorporate

3. Incorporate the carrots, potatoes, and diced tomatoes into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Pour

4. Pour in enough beef broth to cover all the ingredients, then season with salt, pepper, and herbs de Provence as desired.

Simmer

5. Simmer the stew covered on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Check periodically to ensure the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.

Serve

6. Serve the stew hot, allowing each bowl to capture the essence of warming comfort food. It pairs perfectly with fresh bread.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: yes, it freezes well without losing flavor.
Reheat: on the stove over medium heat for about 20 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a good quality beef broth for maximum flavor.
• Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking for better flavor integration.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
• Serve alongside a simple salad for added freshness.
• Great for cozy dinners on cold winter nights.