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
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Optional for serving:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh bread or rolls for dipping
How to Make Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
Step 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.