Shipwreck Stew


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This flavorful Shipwreck Stew is a hearty, one-pot meal loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, and kidney beans. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry family.

tomato based soup with sliced potatoes, kidney beans and ground beef in a slow cooker.

Complete Meals In the Crockpot (All one pot, no browning or extra steps!)

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    This version of Shipwreck Stew is my own creation of flavors—something I came up with when I wanted a hearty, no-fuss meal that still felt special. It’s part soup, part stew, part chili, and somehow it all just works.

    Despite the name, it’s a total win at the table. If you like this one, check out my Hobo Soup—it has that same cozy, satisfying feel with a slightly different spin.

    Shipwreck Stew Ingredients

    Here are the main ingredients to make this shipwreck casserole, see the recipe card below the images for the full recipe.

    • Ground beef for a hearty base
    • Beans, tomatoes, and potatoes for classic comfort
    • A mix of pantry staples and seasonings to tie it all together
    • Everything slow cooked until thick, flavorful, and filling

    Variations

    You can change this recipe up! Try these:

    • You can add diced tomatoes, green beans or a can of corn.
    • You can use pinto beans or black beans instead of kidney.
    • Of course, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but the flavor will defer.
    close up of cooked shipwreck stew in a slow cooker.

    My Serving Suggestions

    Here is how my family eats this shipwreck stew

    • Great as is or topped with cheese, sour cream, freshly chopped cilantro, and/or a dash of hot sauce.
    • Serve over rice for an even heartier meal.
    • Make it a complete meal by pairing it with a light side salad, cornbread, garlic bread, or a roasted veggie like Brussels sprouts.
    serving tomato-based stew with potatoes and kidney beans with a ladle
    Tomato-based stew with potatoes and kidney beans on a ladle

    Shipwreck Stew Recipe

    4.80 from 10 votes
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 hours
    Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
    Servings: 8
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    This vintage Shipwreck Stew recipe has a unique take on comfort food. Is it chili? Is it soup? Is it stew? It’s a little of each—and it’s so good!
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    How to Video

    Ingredients 
     

    • 1 lb. ground beef, (I used 10% fat)
    • 3 medium russet potatoes, sliced
    • 1 white onion, diced
    • 2 celery ribs, sliced
    • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
    • 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
    • 21 oz. Campbell's tomato soup, (two 10.5 oz. cans)
    • 1 oz. packet taco seasoning
    • 1 1/2 cups water

    Instructions 

    • Brown the ground beef in a skillet on the stovetop until cooked through, drain. Add to the slow cooker
    • Add the remaining ingredients, stir.
    • Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
    • Stir, and serve! Great as is or topped with cheese.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 625mg | Potassium: 1266mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 670IU | Vitamin C: 22.8mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 6.2mg

    Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

    Made this recipe? Leave a comment below!

    More Stew Recipes

    Witches Brew Stew has a fun name but is a simple, flavorful mix of beef, vegetables, and broth. If you’re in the mood for something different, Split Pea Stew is a creamy and comforting option made with peas, ham, and simple seasonings.

    Poor Man's Stew is a budget-friendly option made with ground beef, potatoes, and carrots in a tomato-based sauce. Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a favorite and much lighter in flavor.

    For a classic choice, Slow Cooker Beef Stew combines chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots in a rich, savory sauce. Camp Stew Recipe is a hearty mix of shredded meat, tomatoes, and beans with a smoky, barbecue-style flavor. My Beef Stew and Dumplings is a great from scratch meal.

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    55 Comments

    1. Don holder says:

      Hi Sarah I did shipwreck stew I halved recipe as only me n my brother .I did some ground beef but added stag chili to make up difference this had beef n beans .was very nice thank you .

      1. Sarah Olson says:

        That is wonderful to hear Don!