Ground beef, potatoes, onions, tomato soup, and kidney beans slow-cooked into a rich and hearty Shipwreck Stew—comfort food at its best.

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Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

The first time I made Shipwreck Stew, I’ll admit, I burned the ground beef. Yep, set the skillet a little too high while I was busy refereeing my kids arguing over who got the last piece of garlic bread. The kitchen smelled a bit smoky, but funny enough, the stew still turned out delicious. That’s kind of the beauty of this recipe—it forgives your little mistakes. My grandma used to call it “a meal for when the pantry looks like a disaster zone.” I swear she made it every Sunday during football season, served in giant bowls with a side of cornbread. To this day, the smell of tomato and onion simmering together takes me right back to her crowded, noisy kitchen where the TV blared louder than the conversations. Funny how food does that, right?

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Shipwreck Stew with Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe?

Here’s the thing about Shipwreck Stew: it doesn’t look fancy, but it feels fancy in the way it fills you up. It’s hearty, cheap to make, and practically cooks itself once you toss everything into the slow cooker. No fancy knife skills, no long list of spices—just the kind of meal that makes you breathe out that little sigh when you sit down with a bowl. And let’s be real—who doesn’t need a recipe like that in their back pocket?

Ingredient Notes:

I love how simple this list is. It’s the kind of recipe you can make even if you haven’t hit the grocery store in a week.

Ground beef: The hero of this stew. You can use lean, but sometimes the little bit of fat adds flavor. Don’t stress it.
Potatoes: These soak up the broth and make every bite filling. Leave the skins on if you’re lazy (I do it half the time).
Onions: Sweet and mellow once cooked. If you chop them big, you’ll get those nice soft chunks that melt in your mouth.
Tomato soup: Sounds odd, but it’s the secret sauce here. It makes the broth tangy, slightly sweet, and thicker than plain tomatoes.
Kidney beans: Straight from the can, juice and all. They add creaminess and body. Plus, fewer dishes since you don’t drain them.

How To Make Hearty Shipwreck Stew with Ground Beef and Vegetables?

The best part? This is one of those dump and go recipes. But here’s how I usually do it:

Step 1: Brown the beef. Don’t rush this part—you want it crumbly and browned. Drain the grease if you like, though sometimes I leave a little in for flavor.

Step 2: Add it all in. Toss the beef into your slow cooker, then dump in the cans of tomato soup, onions, potatoes, and beans. Give it a good stir—don’t overthink it.

Step 3: Cover and cook. Low and slow for 4–5 hours does the trick. By the time you peek inside, the potatoes will be tender, the onions softened, and the broth will smell like pure comfort.

That’s it. Seriously. The hardest part is waiting.

Storage Options:

This stew makes enough to feed a crowd, but if you’re like me, leftovers are half the fun. Stick it in airtight containers, and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen, so honestly, it might even taste better the next day. If you freeze it, just know the potatoes get a little softer, but nobody at my house ever complains.

Variations and Substitutions:

This stew is flexible. Think of it as a “choose your own adventure” dinner.

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Swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you want something different.
Change up the beans—black beans or pinto beans fit right in.
Add in extra veggies like carrots, corn, or green beans. I’ve even thrown in spinach at the last minute.
Craving spice? Stir in a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce. It’ll wake you right up.

What to Serve with Hearty Shipwreck Stew with Ground Beef and Vegetables?

Shipwreck Stew is filling on its own, but a good side makes it even better.

Crusty bread or rolls: Because dunking bread into stew is basically therapy.
Pickles or slaw: That sharp crunch is the perfect contrast to the rich broth.
Salad: If you’re feeling virtuous, go green. A light salad balances the heaviness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make it without a slow cooker?
Totally. Just simmer it on the stovetop for about 1–1.5 hours until the potatoes are tender.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Not at all. I usually skip peeling when I’m short on time. The skins add texture anyway.

Does it taste better the next day?
Honestly, yes. Like most stews, the flavors get richer overnight.

So there you have it—Hearty Shipwreck Stew with Ground Beef and Vegetables. A simple, no-fuss meal that tastes like home. It’s the kind of recipe that forgives your busy schedule and still makes you look like you’ve got it all together. What about you—would you make this for a cozy weeknight dinner, or save it for a big game-day crowd?

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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Succulent Slow Cooker Beef Tips in a Flavorful Onion and Mushroom Sauce

Famous Butter Chicken Recipe