Crumble ground beef over raw chopped potatoes, combined with 3 ingredients, into slow cooker for a simple supper I make without even thinking

This Slow Cooker Amish Poor Man’s Stew is the definition of simple comfort food. Made with inexpensive pantry staples, it slowly cooks into a warm, filling meal packed with rich flavor. The ground beef cooks down into the potatoes and onions while the tomato-based sauce thickens into a hearty gravy that brings everything together perfectly.

With very little prep work, this slow cooker recipe creates a classic homestyle dinner that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. It’s the kind of cozy meat-and-potatoes meal that’s perfect for busy days, cold evenings, or feeding a hungry family.

🥘 Slow Cooker Amish Poor Man’s Stew

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pound ground beef (80–85% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
• 1 cup beef broth or water with bouillon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Layer the Potatoes and Onion
Place the cubed potatoes into the bottom of a 4–6 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the chopped onion, salt, and pepper evenly over the potatoes.

Tip: Russet potatoes are ideal because their natural starch helps create a thicker, heartier stew.

Step 2: Add the Ground Beef
Spread the raw ground beef evenly over the potato mixture, breaking it into small crumbles as you go.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, stir together the condensed tomato soup and beef broth until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the beef layer.

Tip: Avoid stirring before cooking. Keeping the ingredients layered helps the potatoes cook evenly without becoming too soft too quickly.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for about 4 hours.

The stew is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the beef is fully cooked in a thick, savory sauce.

Step 5: Stir and Serve
Gently stir everything together once cooking is finished. Let the stew sit uncovered for 5–10 minutes before serving.