Poor Boy Stew
A hearty, comforting stew featuring smoked sausage, beef, and vegetables simmered in tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a large pot.
- Add the smoked sausage, diced onion, carrots, potatoes, corn, green beans, tomato sauce, and water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider adding garlic or your favorite herbs such as thyme or basil. If you want a healthier option, turkey sausage can be used instead of smoked sausage. You can also substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken. Feel free to swap vegetables based on availability; frozen mixed vegetables work well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Poor Boy Stew with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal. A side salad, like a Gourmet Pea Salad, pairs beautifully with this dish. For an extra kick, sprinkle some hot sauce on top before serving. This stew is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poor Boy Stew contains roughly 958 calories, with 29g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (268% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (160% of the Daily Value), and protein (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 877mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make Poor Boy Stew in a slow cooker. Brown the hamburger and sausage first, then add all ingredients into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
What can I do if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes or a can of diced tomatoes blended until smooth. Alternatively, use a combination of tomato paste and water to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.
Is this stew freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Poor Boy Stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).