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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.
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.
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.
Featured Comment
"Finally made the shipwreck stew! The wife and I loved it. It was something different for a change. Thanks Sarah…"
- Dave
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
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
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.
Hello! If I cooked the ground beef the night before I made the stew and left the beef in the fridge overnight would that be ok? Thank you!
Yes! That works great!
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 .
That is wonderful to hear Don!