Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew

Name: Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed); 4 medium potatoes (peeled and chopped); 3 carrots (peeled and sliced); 2 celery stalks (chopped); 1 medium onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 can (14.5 oz diced tomatoes); 4 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or green beans (added at the end)

Nothing says comfort food like a rich, hearty stew that simmers all day, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is the ultimate one-pot meal — loaded with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and bold seasonings that create layers of flavor without constant supervision. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or any time you crave a filling, soul-warming meal.

What makes this stew special is its simplicity and flexibility. You can throw everything in the crockpot, let it cook low and slow, and come back to a meal that tastes like it’s been lovingly prepared all day. Plus, the combination of vegetables, beef, and savory spices makes it a balanced and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or green beans, added at the end of cooking

Substitutions

Beef: Chuck roast or stew meat works best; you can also use lamb or turkey for a twist.
Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or turnips can add a slightly sweeter or earthier flavor.
Olive Oil: Any neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil is fine.
Broth: Vegetable broth works for a lighter or slightly different flavor.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and oregano can replace dried; add extra near the end for brighter flavor.

Instructions

Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
Transfer the beef to the crockpot. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Season the Stew
Add salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are fully cooked.
Add Quick-Cooking Vegetables
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas or green beans if using. This keeps them bright and slightly crisp.
Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Remove bay leaves and taste the stew. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

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Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (Low) or 4–5 hours (High)
Total Time: 7–8 hours (Low)
Servings: 6–8

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.
Pair with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables for a balanced meal.
For a heartier option, serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this stew with chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs and reduce cooking time to 4–5 hours on low.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes. Add frozen carrots, potatoes, or peas directly to the crockpot; adjust cooking time if needed.

How can I thicken the stew?
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew about 20 minutes before serving.

Is this stew keto-friendly?
To make it keto, skip the potatoes or replace them with cauliflower chunks.

Hearty Comfort in Every Bowl

This Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into a cozy, comforting experience. With tender meat, savory vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s a meal that brings warmth to the table and makes everyone feel at home. Perfect for lazy days or busy weeks, it’s truly a one-pot wonder.