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 StewEasy & 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. Ingredients1 lb ground beef1.5 lbs potatoes (about 3), diced large3 carrots, sliced1 onion, diced1–2 garlic cloves, minced6 oz can tomato paste2 cups water1 tsp salt¼ tsp black pepper1 tsp onion powder1 tsp dried oreganoOptional for serving: Shredded cheddar cheeseFresh bread or rolls for dippingHow to Make Slow Cooker Poor Man’s StewStep 1: Brown the Ground Beef In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off excess grease and set aside. This step adds extra flavor and keeps the stew from becoming greasy. Step 2: Prep the Vegetables Dice the potatoes into large chunks so they hold their shape. Slice the carrots and dice the onion. Mince the garlic. Step 3: Make the Tomato Base In a bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and dried oregano until smooth. Step 4: Assemble the Crockpot Add the cooked ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and tomato mixture to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined. Step 5: Slow Cook Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours. Avoid lifting the lid—every peek releases heat and slows cooking. Step 6: Serve & Enjoy Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve with warm bread for dipping into that rich, savory broth.
Easy Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew (Hamburger Soup)
