Do I have to brown the meat first?

No. Browning adds flavor, but the stew still turns out great if you skip it. I do it when I have time.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, but cut them a little larger. They cook faster and can get too soft if very small.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne, a diced jalapeño, or use fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles.

What if my stew is too thin?

Mash a few potatoes right in the pot, or let it cook uncovered on High for 15 minutes to reduce.

Can I cook it overnight?

Yes, on Low. If your slow cooker runs hot, set a timer for 7 hours, then switch to Keep Warm.

Easy Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew Recipe

Name: Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef or ground turkey (Optional, can skip for a meatless version.); 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 to 5 medium potatoes, chopped into bite-size chunks (Aim for even size.); 3 large carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 1 large bell pepper, chopped (Optional, skip if not preferred.); 1 optional cup frozen corn or peas (Optional finish.); 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (Can substitute with other beans.); 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices; 1 can tomato sauce; 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (Choose according to preference.); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; to taste salt and black pepper; 1 cup fresh parsley (For garnish.); hot sauce (To taste.); shredded cheddar (For topping.)

Description

A hearty, cheap, and cozy stew that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, packed with veggies and flexible to customize.

Ingredients

Meat (optional)

1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef or ground turkey (Optional, can skip for a meatless version.)

Vegetables

1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 to 5 medium potatoes, chopped into bite-size chunks (Aim for even size.)
3 large carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 large bell pepper, chopped (Optional, skip if not preferred.)
1 optional cup frozen corn or peas (Optional finish.)

Canned Goods

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (Can substitute with other beans.)
1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 can tomato sauce

Liquids

2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (Choose according to preference.)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Spices

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and black pepper

Toppings (optional)

1 cup fresh parsley (For garnish.)
hot sauce (To taste.)
shredded cheddar (For topping.)

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Instructions

Preparation

Chop all veggies about the same size for even cooking.
Optional: Sear ground beef or turkey in a skillet with a pinch of salt. Drain excess fat.

Layering Ingredients

Add potatoes and carrots to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add onions and celery.
Scatter in bell peppers and beans.
If using cooked ground meat, crumble it on top. If using raw meat, you may brown it first or skip to the next step.

Adding Liquids and Seasoning

Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Avoid stirring too much; just nestle the ingredients.

Cooking

Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours, or on High for 4 to 5 hours, until potatoes are tender.
Optional: Add corn or peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Serving

Ladle into bowls and top with parsley, hot sauce, or shredded cheddar.

Notes

For a thicker stew, use less broth or mash some potatoes to release starch. Adjust seasoning at the end if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food