Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew Recipe
Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender ground beef, potatoes, carrots, kidney beans, and rich tomato-based broth, flavored with herbs and spices. Perfect for a cozy meal that develops deeper flavors over several hours of slow cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (on LOW)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
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 Sauces
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 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
- 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.
- Layer everything in the slow cooker: Transfer the potatoes, carrots, celery, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Spoon the browned beef mixture on top and gently stir to combine. If your tomatoes taste very acidic, add the optional sugar.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook the stew on the LOW setting for 7–8 hours to allow the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours if short on time. Avoid frequently lifting the lid to maintain the cooking temperature and time.
- Adjust and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Optional garnishes include chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheddar cheese for added richness.
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare the stew a day ahead and reheat; the flavors deepen overnight.
- Use lean ground beef (85-90%) to avoid excess fat but still maintain flavor.
- Don’t lift the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking as it prolongs cooking time.
- If tomatoes taste too sharp, adding the optional teaspoon of sugar balances acidity.
- Garnishes like sour cream or cheddar add creaminess and richness to the stew.
Keywords: crock pot stew, shipwreck stew, slow cooker meals, beef stew, comforting dinner, easy crock pot recipes
Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/crock-pot-shipwreck-stew-recipe/
