Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 1/2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 1 onion, diced

• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced

• 6 oz can tomato paste

• 2 cups water or beef broth

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Optional Add-Ins

• Shredded cheese for topping

• 1 chopped bell pepper or 1–2 celery stalks, diced

• 1/2 to 1 cup frozen peas or corn (added near the end of cooking)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

2. Prepare the vegetables by peeling and cutting the potatoes into large chunks, slicing the carrots, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.

3. Add the cooked beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, water (or beef broth), salt, black pepper, onion powder, and oregano until smooth.

5. Pour the tomato mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.

6. Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 7 hours, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors are well blended.

7. If using frozen peas or corn, stir them in during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.

8. Serve hot with bread or dinner rolls.

Tips for Best Results

• Cut potatoes into larger chunks so they maintain their shape during long cooking.

• Cooking on LOW provides better flavor and texture than rushing on HIGH.

• For a slightly thinner stew, add an extra 1/2 cup of broth. For a thicker consistency, reduce the liquid slightly.