Looking for a filling, easy-to-make meal that stretches your budget but still tastes amazing? This Poor Man’s Stew is the perfect answer. With ground beef, macaroni, veggies, and a tangy tomato base, it’s the kind of one-pot meal that’s satisfying and simple. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (use whatever ground meat you prefer or have on hand)
- 1 lb bag of elbow macaroni (or any small pasta you have available)
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 medium cans tomato sauce (15 oz each)
- 1 can Rotel with Habaneros (for a bit of heat—if you prefer mild, just use regular Rotel)
- 1 can mixed vegetables (you can substitute with fresh or frozen veggies, depending on what’s in your fridge)
For Seasoning:
- Onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (or any seasonings you like—this is your chance to get creative!)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (for thickening the stew, optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef & Onion:
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Rest of the Ingredients:
- Once the beef and onions are ready, add the following:
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 2 cans tomato sauce
- 1 can Rotel with Habaneros (for a spicy kick, or use regular Rotel if you’re not into the heat)
- 1 can mixed vegetables
- 1 lb of elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- Once the beef and onions are ready, add the following:
- Season It Up:
- Now for the fun part! Add your seasonings. Start with onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (for a little heat), and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can also throw in a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Thicken It Up (Optional):
- If you like your stew a little thicker, add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir it in to help thicken the stew and give it a rich, tomato flavor.
- Cook Together:
- Stir everything together, making sure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid. Bring it to a simmer and let everything cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and fully cooked. Keep an eye on it to ensure the liquid doesn’t evaporate too quickly; if needed, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the stew-like consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once everything is cooked through, give it a final taste test, adjust the seasoning if needed, and then serve it up! This dish is great on its own or paired with some bread or crackers for dipping.
Q&A
Q: Can I add other veggies?
- A: Absolutely! If you’ve got some carrots, bell peppers, or even potatoes hanging around, throw them in! Fresh, frozen, or canned veggies all work well in this stew.
Q: Is this a good meal for meal prep?
- A: Yes! This stew reheats wonderfully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Just store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
- A: For sure! If you want more heat, you can add a chopped jalapeño, some hot sauce, or even more cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice to your liking.
Q: What if I don’t have tomato paste?
- A: No worries! You can skip it, or if you have extra canned tomatoes, you can use a small amount of those to help thicken the stew. Alternatively, you can let the stew simmer a bit longer to reduce and naturally thicken.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
- A: Yes! If you don’t have elbow macaroni, feel free to use any small pasta shape, like rotini, shells, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Super Affordable: With pantry staples and ground beef, this meal costs very little to make, feeding a family of four (or more!) without breaking the bank.
- One-Pot Wonder: It’s all cooked in one pot, which means less cleanup for you! Plus, everything cooks together, making for a flavorful, well-rounded meal.
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly flexible—use whatever you have in your kitchen. It’s a great way to clean out the pantry and fridge.
- Filling & Hearty: The combination of beef, pasta, and veggies makes this stew super filling, and it’ll keep you satisfied for hours.
This Poor Man’s Stew is comfort food on a budget, and it’s one of those meals that gets better the longer it sits! Perfect for families, meal prep, or just a quick, satisfying dinner any night of the week. Enjoy! 🍲👨🍳