Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew

Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is your go-to recipe for a hearty, budget-friendly, and low-effort meal that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did! Loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, kidney beans, and a rich tomato broth, this old-fashioned one-pot stew is packed with flavor and comfort. The best part? It all comes together in your slow cooker with just a bit of prep. Perfect for chilly nights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this stew will be your new weeknight staple.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot, full meal: Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one
• Slow cooker simplicity: Hands-off cooking with big flavor
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Highly customizable: Use what’s in your pantry
• Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day
• Freezer-friendly and family-approved

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (¾-inch)
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced (½-inch)
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 tsp sugar (if tomatoes are too acidic)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the beef and aromatics
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until mostly browned (about 5 minutes). Add the onion and cook until soft, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Load the slow cooker
   Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the Crock Pot. Top with the beef mixture and stir gently to combine.
3. Slow cook to perfection
   Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until veggies are tender and stew has thickened slightly.
4. Final touches
   Discard bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper. Serve hot with fresh parsley, sour cream, or shredded cheddar if desired.

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 7–8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6–8

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approx.)

Calories: 360
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 6g
Sodium: 580mg

💡 Tips & Variations

Tips for the Best Texture

• Cut veggies uniformly to ensure even cooking
• Mash a few potato cubes before serving to naturally thicken
• Avoid lifting the lid during cooking—it releases heat and slows cooking time

Flavor Variations

• Southwest: Add corn, chili powder, cumin, and finish with lime and cilantro
• Smoky: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon at the end
• Italian: Add zucchini and swap thyme for Italian seasoning
• Sweet & Spicy: Add brown sugar and red pepper flakes
• No Beans: Add more carrots and potatoes in place of beans
• Mushroom Lover? Sauté mushrooms with onion and garlic for umami

🙋‍♀️ FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

Is this dairy-free?
It is by default. Just skip any cheese or sour cream toppings or use plant-based alternatives.

Can I prep it ahead?
Definitely. Brown the meat and chop veggies the night before. Store in fridge and assemble in the morning.

Does it freeze well?
Yes. Cool completely, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew

A slow cooker classic made with pantry staples. Hearty, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

• – Large skillet
• – 6–7 qt Crock Pot
• Knife and cutting board
• – Measuring tools
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb ground beef 85–90% lean
• – 1 large yellow onion diced
• – 3 cloves garlic minced
• – 3 medium russet potatoes cubed
• – 3 carrots sliced
• – 2 celery stalks sliced
• – 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained
• – 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• – 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• – 3 cups beef broth
• – 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• – 1 tsp paprika
• – 1 tsp dried thyme
• – 1 bay leaf
• – 1 tsp kosher salt
• – ½ tsp black pepper
• – Optional: 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

 

• Brown beef in a skillet. Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant. Drain excess fat.
• Add all ingredients to the Crock Pot. Stir gently.
• Cook on LOW 7–8 hrs or HIGH 3–4 hrs.
• Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Notes

– Use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
– Add chili powder and corn for a Tex-Mex twist.
– Mash potatoes to thicken naturally.
– Garnish with parsley, cheddar, or sour cream.

Keyword Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew

🎁 Conclusion

There’s something timeless about Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew—a humble, hearty meal that brings warmth to the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge or feeding hungry bellies on a budget, this comforting stew is flexible, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Pair it with crusty bread or cornbread, and enjoy the cozy simplicity of this family favorite again and again.