🍲 High-Protein Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
A budget-friendly comfort classic made leaner and protein-packed — hearty beef, vegetables, and rich broth slow-cooked to perfection.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)
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2 lbs (900g) lean ground beef (93–96% lean)
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4 medium potatoes, diced (or use high-protein potatoes if available)
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3 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups low-sodium beef broth
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1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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Optional: 1 scoop unflavored collagen peptides
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the beef first (recommended):
Cook ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2️⃣ Load the slow cooker:
Add beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
3️⃣ Add liquids & seasoning:
Pour in broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and spices. Stir.
4️⃣ Cook:
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LOW: 7–8 hours
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HIGH: 4–5 hours
Vegetables should be fork-tender.
5️⃣ Protein boost finish:
Stir in collagen at the end (if using). Adjust salt and pepper.
💪 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
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Calories: ~390
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Protein: 40–45g
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Carbs: 28–32g
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Fat: 12g
🔥 To Make It Even Higher Protein
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Replace half the potatoes with diced turnips (lower carbs, higher protein ratio)
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Stir in ½ cup plain Greek yogurt at the end for creamier texture
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Add 1 cup white beans for extra fiber + protein
🥣 Meal Prep Tip
This stew tastes even better the next day and freezes well for up to 3 months.
