Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights, cold days, or lazy Sundays. Named after its “everything but the kitchen sink” nature, Shipwreck Stew combines ground beef, vegetables, beans, and potatoes into a thick, flavorful stew that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This dish is as economical as it is filling and has become a timeless family favorite across generations. Cooking it in a crockpot makes it even more convenient, allowing the flavors to slowly meld together into a robust and satisfying stew with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Preparation
Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off excess grease and set the beef aside.
Step 2: In the crock pot, layer the ingredients starting with the diced potatoes, then the onions, celery, and carrots.
Step 3: Add the cooked ground beef on top of the vegetables.
Step 4: Pour in the kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato sauce.
Step 5: Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, pepper, salt, and beef broth. Stir lightly just to distribute the spices.
Step 6: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, or until potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
Step 7: Give it a good stir before serving to bring all the layers together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Variation
- Protein Swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
- Beans: Swap kidney beans for black beans, white beans, or chickpeas.
- Veggies: Add bell peppers, green beans, peas, or zucchini for more variety.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a creamy finish.
Cooking Note
For the best texture, avoid over-stirring the stew during the slow cooking process. Adding the tomatoes and tomato sauce on top without mixing helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents them from becoming too mushy. Use waxy potatoes like Yukon gold for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm cornbread or dinner rolls.
- Add a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve over rice or egg noodles to stretch the dish further.
- Pair with a glass of red wine or iced tea for comfort-style dining.
Tips
- Prep ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge to make mornings easier.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for later.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- If stew is too thick, thin with a little extra broth before serving.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
Nutritional Information (Per 1.5 cup serving)
Calories: 340
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 620mg
FAQs
Can I freeze Shipwreck Stew?
- Yes, let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months.
Can I make this vegetarian?
- Absolutely. Skip the ground beef and add more beans or lentils for protein.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
- Yes. Use a large pot, simmer covered on low for 45–60 minutes until vegetables are tender.
What type of potatoes work best?
- Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold hold their shape better than Russets in slow cooking.
Can I prep this overnight?
- Yes. Assemble everything in the crock pot insert and refrigerate overnight. Set it in the base and cook in the morning.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is a budget-friendly, nutrient-rich, and deeply satisfying meal that is as versatile as it is delicious. It captures everything we love about comfort food, hearty textures, savory flavors, and a sense of home. Whether you’re feeding a large family or prepping for leftovers, this stew will quickly become a staple in your cold-weather meal rotation. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and sure to please even picky eaters.