Crock Pot French Onion Poor Man’s Stew Recipe
Crock Pot French Onion Poor Man’s Stew is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked meal combining ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes in a rich onion-flavored broth. Perfect for an easy, satisfying dinner with minimal prep, this stew melds classic flavors with the convenience of slow cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium yellow or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch pieces
Broth and Seasonings
- 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes with juices, undrained
- 1 ounce packet onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth or water (can use low or no salt broth)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles but keeping them a bit larger. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened.
- Drain Excess Grease: Carefully drain the excess grease from the cooked beef and onion mixture to reduce fat content and ensure a cleaner stew base.
- Add Vegetables to Slow Cooker: Place the potatoes and carrots into a 6-quart slow cooker. Then spoon the browned beef and onion mixture evenly over the vegetables.
- Combine Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the undrained diced tomatoes, sprinkle the onion soup mix and black pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Pour in Liquid and Stir: Pour in the beef broth or water and gently stir all ingredients together to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Slow Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. Cooking time may vary by slow cooker, so test doneness before serving.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: Stir the stew well before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve hot for a cozy, hearty meal.
Notes
- Cooking times may fluctuate based on the slow cooker model; always check vegetable tenderness before serving.
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef to reduce fat in the stew.
- Use low- or no-salt beef broth for a healthier option and adjust additional salt accordingly.
- The recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or for leftovers.
- For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving.