1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the expression $2x^2 + 3x + 1$ when $x = -2$. 2. **Formula and rules:** Substitute the value of $x$ into the expression and simplify. 3. **Substitution:** $$2(-2)^2 + 3(-2) + 1$$ 4. **Calculate powers:** $$2(4) + 3(-2) + 1$$ 5. **Multiply:** $$8 - 6 + 1$$ 6. **Simplify step-by-step:** $$8 - 6 + 1 = (8 - 6) + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3$$ 7. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{3}$$