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Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew Recipe

4.8 from 76 reviews

A hearty and comforting Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew loaded with tender ground beef, potatoes, carrots, kidney beans, and rich tomato broth slowly cooked to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Beans

  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 celery ribs, sliced
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Liquids and Canned Goods

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 3 cups beef broth

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar if tomatoes taste very acidic

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until mostly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant. Drain off excess fat if needed.
  2. Layer everything in the slow cooker: In 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. Spoon the browned beef mixture over the top and gently stir to combine. If your tomatoes taste very acidic, add the optional sugar.
  3. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours (preferred) or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender and the broth has thickened slightly. Avoid lifting the lid too often as it can extend cooking time.
  4. Adjust and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheddar cheese for a cozy finish.

Notes

  • For best flavor and texture, cook on LOW for 7–8 hours rather than HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  • Do not frequently lift the slow cooker lid during cooking to avoid longer cook times.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or mash some potatoes slightly.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
  • Optional garnishes add creaminess and freshness but are not necessary.

Keywords: crock pot stew, shipwreck stew, ground beef stew, slow cooker recipe, comforting stew, easy dinner