Poor Man’s Stew (Hearty Budget Comfort Meal)Don’t let the name fool you — this humble, old-fashioned stew tastes incredibly rich and satisfying. Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this one-pot meal is perfect for feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying a warm bowl of comfort on a cold evening.This rustic dish combines tender potatoes, sweet carrots, savory beef, and a deeply flavorful broth that tastes like it simmered all day.Yield4–6 servingsPrep Time15 minutesCook Time40–45 minutesTotal Time1 hourIngredients1 lb ground beef4 large potatoes, peeled and diced4 carrots, sliced1 medium onion, chopped3 cloves garlic, minced2 cups beef broth1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)1 tablespoon tomato paste1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce1 teaspoon paprika½ teaspoon dried thyme½ teaspoon dried oreganoSalt and black pepper, to taste1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)1 cup frozen peas or green beans (optional)Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)Instructions

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  1. Brown the Beef
    Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics
    Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the Flavor
    Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  4. Add Vegetables & Broth
    Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Simmer
    Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
  6. Final Touch
    If using, stir in frozen peas or green beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
    Serving Suggestions
    Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with:
    crusty bread
    warm dinner rolls
    cornbread
    or over steamed rice for extra heartiness
    Tips for the Best Flavor
    ✔ Cut vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
    ✔ Simmer slowly to allow flavors to deepen.
    ✔ Add a splash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
    ✔ For a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes into the broth.
    Variations
    Make it healthier: Use ground turkey instead of beef.
    Make it richer: Add a splash of cream at the end.
    Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
    Make it rustic: Toss in celery or bell peppers.
    Storage & Reheating
    Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
    Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
    Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
    This Poor Man’s Stew proves that simple ingredients can create a deeply comforting and nourishing meal. One bowl is filling, but the rich homemade flavor will keep you coming back for more.
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