Shipwreck Stew is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. This classic dish gets its name from the way all the ingredients are layered and cooked together, creating a delicious “shipwreck” of flavors and textures. Made with ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and beans, this stew is not only filling but also incredibly easy to prepare. The slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich, savory stew that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened.
- Layer the ingredients: On top of the beef mixture, layer the sliced potatoes, carrots, celery, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Pour the beef broth over the top.
- Season the stew: Sprinkle the thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the layers.
- Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the stew to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Enjoy your Shipwreck Stew as a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out!
