Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew

Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is the kind of meal that wraps you up like a warm blanket on a cold day. Packed with tender potatoes, ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato-based broth, this slow cooker classic delivers deep, comforting flavor with barely any hands-on time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just want something hearty and nostalgic, this recipe is a one-pot wonder that always hits the spot.

Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is an old-school favorite with a name as charming as its flavor. The idea? Toss everything “shipwrecked” in your pantry into a pot and let it simmer all day. The result is a rustic, layered stew that tastes like it cooked for hours—because it did, but your slow cooker did all the work. It’s cozy, affordable, family-friendly, and endlessly flexible depending on what you’ve got in your fridge.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot, budget-friendly slow cooker meal
• Easy to prep and perfect for busy weeknights
• Naturally gluten- and dairy-free
• Feeds a crowd and freezes beautifully
• Deep, layered flavors with pantry staples
  Looking for more comforting classics? Try our Sweet Potato Tacos or Vegan Corn Chowder to mix up your fall and winter dinner rotation.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 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 (plus more to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)

🔪 Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned (4–5 minutes). Add onions and cook until softened (3 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain excess fat.
2. Layer in the slow cooker: Add potatoes, carrots, celery, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to a 6–7 qt Crock Pot. Add the beef mixture and stir gently to combine.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
4. Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread. Optional toppings: chopped parsley, sour cream, shredded cheddar.

⏱ Recipe Details

this recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) / 3–4 hours (high)
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Freezer Friendly: Yes

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: ~24g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fat: ~18g
• Fiber: ~6g
  Note: Actual values depend on ingredient brands and substitutions.

🔄 Tips & Variations

• Make it smoky: Add crumbled bacon or a dash of liquid smoke
• Go meatless: Use plant-based crumbles or extra beans
• Southwest flair: Add corn, cumin, and chili powder
• Thicker texture: Lightly mash some of the cooked potatoes
• Extra veggies: Stir in spinach or kale just before serving
• Italian version: Swap thyme for Italian seasoning, and finish with grated Parmesan

🙋‍♀️ FAQs

Q: Can I prep Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew ahead of time?
Yes! Brown the beef and chop the veggies the night before. Store separately and combine in the morning.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
Yes—just be sure your Worcestershire sauce and broth are labeled gluten-free.

Q: How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I skip the beans?
Absolutely. Add an extra potato and carrot to keep volume and texture.

Q: How do I reheat it?
Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth if thickened.

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

Servings: 6

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb ground beef
• – 1 large yellow onion diced
• – 3 cloves garlic minced
• – 3 russet potatoes cubed
• – 3 carrots sliced
• – 2 celery ribs sliced
• – 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

Equipment

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

Method

 

1. Brown beef in skillet; add onion and garlic. Cook until softened.
2. Add all ingredients to slow cooker. Stir gently.
3. Cook on LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
4. Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Notes

– For thicker stew, mash a few potato cubes before serving
– Vegan version: Use plant-based meat or skip beef
– Gluten-free if using certified GF Worcestershire and broth

🍴 Conclusion

Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is the kind of easy, nourishing comfort food that belongs in every slow cooker rotation. It’s hearty, flexible, and loaded with flavor even picky eaters will love. Whether you’re cleaning out your pantry or just need a warm bowl of something wholesome, this stew delivers every time.