Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew

If you’ve ever looked into your fridge, looked at the clock, and thought, “Dinner… again? Already?”—friend, Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is about to save the day. This is one of those dump-and-go meals that feels like you tried way harder than you did (my favorite kind of magic).

It’s warm, filling, and super forgiving. Picky eaters? Busy weeknight? A “please don’t make me think” kind of evening? This stew has your back. And because it’s made in the slow cooker, you can let it do the heavy lifting while you live your life—laundry, emails, carpools, or just sitting down for five quiet minutes (a rare luxury!).

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew

• It’s truly easy. Brown the beef, toss everything in, and walk away like the confident kitchen boss you are.
• Big, hearty flavors. Potatoes, beans, corn, tomato… it’s the kind of comfort food that hugs you back.
• Feeds a crowd. Perfect for family dinner, leftovers, or when your neighbor “just happens to stop by” around dinnertime.
• Budget-friendly. Mostly pantry staples and basic veggies—no fancy ingredients that cost the same as gas.

This is also a great “clean out the pantry” stew. If your cabinets have been quietly collecting cans like they’re preparing for winter, this recipe is your moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew (and yes, it’s mostly things you can find without a treasure map):

• 1.5–2 pounds ground beef
• 5 russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 5 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 2 (15 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, undrained
• 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, with liquid
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can tomato soup
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 2 cups chicken or beef broth (for a thinner, soupier stew)

Optional toppings (highly encouraged)

• Shredded cheese
• Oyster crackers
• A dollop of sour cream
• Chopped green onion (if you want to feel fancy)

How to Make Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew in the Slow Cooker

This is the version I make when I want dinner to basically cook itself—aka most days.

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain the grease (nobody invited it), then add the cooked beef to the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add everything else

To the slow cooker, add:

• sliced potatoes
• diced onion
• diced celery
• kidney beans with liquid
• corn (also with liquid)
• diced tomatoes with liquid
• tomato soup
• garlic powder
• chili powder
• salt and pepper

Give it a gentle stir just to combine things a bit. You don’t need to overthink it.

Step 3: Cook low and slow

Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the whole thing smells like you should be wearing cozy socks.

Step 4: Adjust thickness (optional)

Want it thinner? Stir in chicken or beef broth at the end—start with ½ cup at a time until it looks how you like.

Step 5: Serve!

Ladle into bowls and top with cheese and oyster crackers if you want peak comfort. (I do. Always.)

Stovetop Instructions (When You Need It Faster)

If you didn’t plan ahead (same), you can still enjoy Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew flavors on the stove.

Step 1: Brown the beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain grease, then return beef to the pot.

Step 2: Layer the ingredients

Add in this order:

1. Potatoes
2. Onion
3. Celery
4. Kidney beans (with liquid)
5. Corn
6. Diced tomatoes (with liquid)
7. Tomato soup
8. Garlic powder + chili powder
9. Salt + pepper

Step 3: Simmer

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer about 45 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 4: Thin it out if you want

Add broth if you prefer a soupier stew. Keep it covered while it simmers for the best texture.

My Best Tips (Because I’ve Made the “Oops” Versions)

• Slice potatoes thin and even. This is the difference between “perfectly tender” and “why is this still crunchy?”
• Don’t drain the beans or tomatoes. The liquid helps build that cozy, stew-like base.
• Taste at the end. Slow cookers can mellow seasoning, so add a final pinch of salt/pepper if needed.
• If it looks thick, it’s not a failure. It’s just a hearty stew living its best life. Add broth if you want it thinner—no drama.
• Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño. (Only if your family won’t stage a protest.)

And if your stew looks a little “rustic” when you stir it? Congratulations—you made real food. Perfection is overrated, dinner is not.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This recipe became one of my go-to “busy day” meals after I had one of those weeks where everything needed to be done yesterday. I tossed Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew together in the morning, and by dinnertime my kitchen smelled like I’d been cooking all day.

My family ate it without complaints, without negotiating, and without the classic “What else do we have?” question. Honestly? That alone makes it a repeat recipe in my house. If a meal can calm chaos and fill everyone up, that’s my kind of kitchen magic.

FAQs About Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew

Dinner That Feels Like a Warm Blanket

Some recipes are fancy. Some are fast. And then there are the ones like Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew—the hearty, cozy, no-nonsense kind that makes you feel like you’ve got life handled… even if your living room says otherwise.

Make a big pot, grab the cheese and crackers, and let this meal do what it does best: feed everyone well with minimal stress. If you try it, I hope Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew becomes one of those recipes you keep in your back pocket for the days when you need comfort food to come through like a best friend. Happy cooking!

Keep the Cozy Vibes Going

If this Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew hit the spot, you’ve got more comfort-food goodness waiting for you—because one cozy bowl usually turns into “okay, what are we making next?” Here are a few reader-favorite ideas that pair perfectly with this stew mood:

• Craving another slow-cooker win? Try Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Lime Soup for a bright, zesty bowl that feels like a mini vacation.
• Want a beefy, hearty soup night again? You’ll love Homemade Ground Beef Pasta Soup—it’s warm, filling, and totally weeknight-friendly.
• If you’re in the mood for something creamy and ultra-comfy, make Creamy Cowboy Soup next (it’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone “accidentally” come back for seconds).
• And if you want another easy crock pot classic, bookmark Crock Pot Hamburger Soup—simple ingredients, big comfort, zero fuss.

⭐ Made this recipe? I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a quick review and tap your star rating—5 stars if it made dinner feel easy and delicious (and hey, be honest… I can take it ).

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