Poor Man’s Stew

Poor Man’s Stew, made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, and carrots. It’s a classic, affordable, and comforting one-pot meal.

Poor Man’s Stew Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 to 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice

• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

• 2 cups beef broth or water with bouillon

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon.

3. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until fully browned and no longer pink.

4. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic

1. Add the chopped onion to the browned meat.

2. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

Step 3: Add vegetables and seasonings

1. Stir in the diced potatoes and sliced carrots.

2. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs.

3. Mix everything well to coat the vegetables evenly.

Step 4: Add tomatoes and broth

1. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice.

2. Stir in the tomato paste.

3. Pour in the beef broth (or water with bouillon).

4. Stir until the tomato paste is fully dissolved.

Step 5: Simmer the stew

1. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Once boiling, reduce heat to low.

3. Cover and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Cook until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.

Step 6: Final taste and adjust

1. Remove the lid and taste the stew.

2. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

3. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 more minutes if you want a thicker consistency.

Step 7: Serve

1. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.

2. Optional: Serve with bread, rice, or biscuits for a more filling meal.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.

• Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.