If there’s one dinner that never fails to bring comfort to the table, it’s Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew—also lovingly called hamburger soup. This is the kind of recipe that feels like it came straight from grandma’s handwritten recipe box: simple ingredients, hearty portions, and flavors that only get better as they simmer low and slow.
Made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a touch of cheese, this stew is budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for busy days when you want dinner to cook itself. Just toss everything into the crockpot, let it work its magic, and come home to a warm, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Poor Man’s Stew
Easy & hands-off – the slow cooker does all the work
Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have
Hearty and filling – perfect for cold nights
Customizable – add veggies, spices, or extra cheese
Great for leftovers – tastes even better the next day
This stew is especially popular in Southern and Midwestern kitchens, where stretching a pound of ground beef into a full meal is practically an art form.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1.5 lbs potatoes (about 3), diced large
3 carrots, sliced
1 onion, diced
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
6 oz can tomato paste
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
