Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is your answer to chilly nights, hectic days, and hungry bellies. Packed with tender potatoes, hearty ground beef, sweet carrots, and savory beans, this rustic stew is simmered low and slow in a rich tomato broth for hours—filling your kitchen with nostalgic, comforting aromas.
Legend has it the name “Shipwreck Stew” comes from throwing together whatever’s in your pantry—just like salvaging a meal after a storm. This Crock Pot version honors that tradition while delivering a well-balanced, delicious one-pot wonder the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-pot, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe
- 🧄 Big flavor from simple pantry ingredients
- 👶 Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and budget-friendly
- 🌾 Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free
- 🥔 Thick, hearty, and endlessly customizable
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
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 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 (more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp sugar (if tomatoes are too acidic)
Instructions
- Brown the beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until mostly browned (4–5 min). Add onion, cook 3 min until soft. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Drain fat. - Assemble in the Crock Pot
To a 6–7 qt slow cooker, add potatoes, carrots, celery, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Top with browned beef. Stir gently. - Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until veggies are fork-tender. - Finish and serve
Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Optional toppings: Chopped parsley, sour cream, shredded cheddar, or hot sauce.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hrs (LOW) or 3–4 hrs (HIGH)
Total Time: ~8 hours
Servings: 6–8
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American
Tips & Variations
🔄 Flavor Twists:
- Southwest: Add corn, cumin, chili powder, and finish with lime
- Italian: Use Italian seasoning + zucchini + Parmesan
- Smoky: Stir in crumbled bacon after cooking
- No Beans: Swap with extra potatoes and carrots
- Extra Hearty: Add ⅓ cup barley with broth
🍲 Pro Tips:
- Cut veggies evenly for consistent cooking
- Mash a few potatoes before serving to thicken
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon at the end to brighten flavor
- Make ahead: stew tastes even better the next day!
FAQs
Q: Is Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew gluten-free?
Yes—just be sure your Worcestershire and broth are labeled gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
The stew itself is dairy-free. Skip toppings like cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Cool fully, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! Brown the beef and chop veggies the night before. Store separately and assemble in the morning.
Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew
Equipment
- – Slow cooker (6–7 qt)
- – Large skillet
- – Knife & cutting board
- – Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- – 1 lb ground beef
- – 1 yellow onion diced
- – 3 cloves garlic minced
- – 3 russet potatoes cubed
- – 3 carrots sliced
- – 2 celery ribs chopped
- – 1 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed
- – 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 skillet. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic. Drain fat.
- Add all ingredients to Crock Pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook on LOW for 7–8 hrs or HIGH for 3–4 hrs.
- Remove bay leaf, season to taste, and serve hot.
Notes
– Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef
– For thicker stew, mash a few potatoes before serving
Conclusion
Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is the kind of cozy, rustic comfort food that makes weeknights feel like Sunday dinner. With rich flavor, minimal fuss, and loads of flexibility, it’s a meal you’ll turn to again and again.
Make a big batch, freeze some for later, and don’t forget the crusty bread or cornbread for dunking—it’s stew perfection in a bowl.