Some of the best suppers come from the kind of meal you can put together with a steady hand and a plain old pantry, and this slow cooker poor man firework stew is just that sort of dish. It is hearty, thrifty, and full of the kind of comfort that stretches a pound of ground beef into a meal that feels generous, with dry lentils slowly cooking down into a rich, spoonable stew. Around Midwestern kitchens, simple “dump and cook” meals have long been a way to keep folks fed on busy days, and this one earns its place in the regular supper rotation with very little fuss.
Serve this stew with a pan of warm cornbread, a few saltine crackers, or thick slices of buttered sandwich bread to catch every bit of broth. A crisp cabbage slaw, dill pickles, or a simple green salad makes a nice fresh contrast, and if you like a little extra heat, set out hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or shredded cheddar so everyone can doctor up their bowl at the table.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man Firework Stew
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound raw ground beef
1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa
4 cups beef broth
Directions
1. Add the raw ground beef to the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, breaking it into large chunks as you place it in.
2. Sprinkle the rinsed dry lentils evenly over the beef.
3. Pour the salsa and beef broth over the top, then give everything a gentle stir just enough to settle the lentils into the liquid.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, until the lentils are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
5. Stir well, breaking up the beef into smaller crumbles if needed, then ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
For extra heat: Use a hot salsa instead of mild, or stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes at the end. That little bit of fire is likely where a name like “firework stew” starts to make sense.
To make it stretch farther: Add an extra cup or two of broth if you want a soupier pot, especially if the lentils soak up more liquid than expected. This is a fine way to feed a few more folks without much extra cost.
For a thicker stew: Let the cooked stew sit uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. The lentils will continue to absorb liquid and give you a heartier bowl.
For better texture: Brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker if you prefer a deeper flavor and less fat in the finished dish. It adds one extra pan, but some cooks find the richer taste worth it.
For easy storage: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating if the stew has thickened overnight.