This cozy, flavorful Shipwreck Stew is the perfect comfort meal for busy nights, and this Crock Pot version makes everything even easier.
Why You’ll Love This Shipwreck Stew
This Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is the kind of recipe that solves dinner without stress. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and loaded with wholesome ingredients like potatoes, lean ground meat, beans, celery, corn, and tomatoes. Because everything slow-cooks together, the flavors meld into a rich, savory stew that tastes even better the next day. It’s also incredibly flexible—swap the protein, adjust the veggies, or make it lighter without changing the soul of the dish. And since it all cooks in one pot, cleanup stays blissfully simple.
Ingredients for Shipwreck Stew
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 5–7 medium potatoes, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, sliced or diced
- 5–7 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cans dark red kidney beans (15.5–16 oz each), undrained
- 2 cans whole kernel corn (15 oz each), undrained
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each), with juice
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Ground Meat: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken to make the stew lighter while keeping it hearty.
- Beans: Kidney beans add color and texture, but pinto, navy beans, or chickpeas also work beautifully.
- Tomatoes: If you prefer a smoother tomato base, replace diced tomatoes with crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Carrots, peas, zucchini, peppers, or green beans can be mixed in without affecting the recipe.
- No pork: The recipe has no pork, and for smoked flavor you may add smoked paprika or a little smoked turkey.
- Seasoning Boost: Try paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for extra depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the Meat
Warm a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) until no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the stew from becoming greasy. Transfer the cooked meat into the Crock Pot.
Step 2 – Add Potatoes and Vegetables
Layer the cubed potatoes, onions, and celery over the cooked meat in the slow cooker. These hearty vegetables benefit from being closer to the heat so they cook evenly.
Step 3 – Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes
Pour the kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes—including all the liquid—on top of the vegetables. This liquid creates the broth base and keeps everything moist during slow cooking.
Step 4 – Season and Stir
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the top, then gently stir just enough to combine layers without mashing the potatoes.
Step 5 – Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have blended.
Step 6 – Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve warm with cornbread, rolls, or garlic bread.
Shipwreck Stew (Crock Pot Recipe)
Equipment
- Crock Pot / slow cooker
- large skillet
- cutting board
- chef’s knife
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 5-7 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 large onion, diced or sliced
- 5-7 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cans dark red kidney beans (15.5–16 oz each), undrained
- 2 cans whole kernel corn (15 oz each), undrained
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each), with juice
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and transfer to the Crock Pot.
- Layer the cubed potatoes, onions, and celery over the cooked meat in the slow cooker.
- Add the kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes—including all liquid—on top of the vegetables.
- Season with salt and black pepper, then gently stir to combine without mashing the potatoes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with cornbread, rolls, or garlic bread.
Notes
Nutrition
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t skip browning the meat—it adds flavor and prevents greasy texture.
- Leave the liquids in the cans (beans, corn, tomatoes) for proper stew consistency.
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for creamier, sturdier results.
- Stir gently so the potatoes don’t break apart during cooking.
- Add greens at the end (spinach or kale) if you want extra nutrients.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—this thickens the stew naturally.
Flavor Variations
- Zesty Southwest: Add chili powder, cumin, and a can of mild diced green chiles.
- Italian-Inspired: Mix in garlic, basil, oregano, and swap beans for cannellini beans.
- Smoky Comfort: Add smoked paprika or a handful of smoked turkey for extra depth.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for more color and nutrients.
- Tomato-Rich: Stir in a few tablespoons of tomato paste for a deeper, richer base.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm cornbread, dinner rolls, or crusty French bread.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream (optional).
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- For kids, serve with grilled cheese or buttered toast for guaranteed smiles.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves as it sits.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
- Texture Tip: If the stew thickens during storage, add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbs | 36g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | ~640mg |
(Approximate values; varies by ingredients used.)
FAQ About Shipwreck Stew
What is Shipwreck Stew?
Shipwreck Stew is a simple, layered one-pot meal typically made with ground meat, potatoes, beans, and canned vegetables. Its name likely originated from its “everything thrown together” style—similar to how meals would be made from limited pantry ingredients. The result is a hearty, comforting stew that’s practical, filling, and easy to customize.
Can I make Shipwreck Stew without beans?
Yes. While beans add heartiness and protein, you can omit them if preferred. To maintain texture, consider adding additional vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers. If you want more protein without beans, increase the amount of meat or swap with chicken chunks or turkey.
Does Shipwreck Stew freeze well?
Absolutely. This stew freezes beautifully because potatoes, beans, and tomatoes all hold up well once cooked. Simply cool the stew completely, portion it into containers or freezer bags, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave for a quick meal.
Can I cook Shipwreck Stew on the stovetop instead?
Yes, the recipe adapts easily. Just brown the meat in a large pot, add all remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
How can I thicken Shipwreck Stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes directly in the Crock Pot during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking. You can also let the stew sit uncovered during the last 10–15 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Avoid adding flour or cornstarch, as the natural starches from potatoes usually do the job well.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish—easy to prepare, nourishing, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a big family or stocking your freezer for the week, this recipe delivers satisfying results with minimal effort. It’s the kind of timeless stew you’ll return to again and again.
