Shipwreck Stew

Jun 23, 2024Updated May 30, 2025

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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.

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

uncooked soup with potatoes, beef, celery and beans in a slow cooker.

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

Featured Comment

“Finally made the shipwreck stew! The wife and I loved it. It was something different for a change. Thanks Sarah…”
– Dave

52 More Reviews

Tomato-based stew with potatoes and kidney beans on a ladle

Shipwreck Stew Recipe

4.89 from 9 votes

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 7

Total Time: 7 20

Servings:

By: Sarah Olson

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

Equipment

Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger (I own and use this one from Crock-Pot)

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.

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 is a hearty mix of shredded meat, tomatoes, and beans with a smoky, barbecue-style flavor.