Absolutely! Here’s a classic Poor Man’s Stew recipe—hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly. It uses simple ingredients but packs lots of flavor.
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
- Add onions and garlic:
- Cook 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add vegetables and seasonings:
- Stir in potatoes, carrots, celery, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add liquid:
- Pour in broth or water and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer:
- Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
- Adjust flavor:
- Taste and add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with bread or over rice.
Tips:
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for an even cheaper option.
- Add frozen peas or corn at the end for extra veggies.
- For thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.
If you want, I can give a super-easy 30-minute Poor Man’s Stew version that’s ready faster but still hearty and delicious.
Do you want me to do that?