Here’s a hearty, budget-friendly recipe for Poor Man’s Stew — a simple, comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for stretching your ingredients while still delivering on flavor. It’s packed with vegetables, tender meat, and savory broth!
🥘 Poor Man’s Stew
🍽️ Serves: 6–8
⏱️ Total Time: ~1 hour
📋 Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
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4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
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3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
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1 large onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
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1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or use frozen corn)
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4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
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1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for extra depth)
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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Optional: 1–2 cups frozen peas or green beans
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add Veggies and Broth:
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Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, corn, and diced tomatoes (with juice).
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Pour in the beef broth and add the soy sauce (if using), thyme, pepper, and salt to taste.
3. Simmer:
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Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
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Stir occasionally and check seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
4. Optional Add-ins:
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If you like, add peas or green beans in the last 5–10 minutes of cooking for extra color and texture.
5. Serve:
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Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
🧊 Storage:
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
🔄 Variations:
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Swap ground sausage for a spicier version.
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Use chicken broth and chicken breast for a lighter version.
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Add lentils or beans for extra protein and fiber.
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For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes and carrots while cooking.