Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew Recipe
Few meals capture old-fashioned comfort quite like this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew. Made with simple pantry staples including ground beef, potatoes, onions, and canned tomatoes, this hearty stew is budget-friendly, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare. Just add everything to your slow cooker and let it simmer into a rich, flavorful meal that tastes like it has been cooking all day.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family, this classic Mulligan Stew recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Mulligan Stew
- Only 4 simple ingredients
- Easy slow cooker recipe
- Budget-friendly family meal
- Rich and hearty comfort food
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- No complicated cooking techniques required
What Is Mulligan Stew?
Mulligan Stew is a traditional American comfort food often associated with simple Depression-era cooking. The recipe was designed to use inexpensive ingredients that could feed a family while still delivering a warm and satisfying meal.
This version keeps things simple with ground beef, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, creating a thick, savory broth packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 4 cups diced russet potatoes
- 2 cups diced yellow onion
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed or diced tomatoes with juice
How To Make Slow Cooker Mulligan Stew
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease if desired.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
Layer the potatoes and onions over the beef.
Pour both cans of tomatoes over everything.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 7–8 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
Cook until the potatoes become fork-tender and the onions are soft.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
Stir everything together before serving to create a rich, tomato-based broth.
Serve hot with bread, crackers, or cornbread.
Best Side Dishes
This hearty stew pairs perfectly with:
- Buttered bread
- Cornbread
- Saltine crackers
- Green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- White rice
- Egg noodles
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until thoroughly heated.
Recipe Variations
Thicker Stew
Mash some of the potatoes directly into the broth before serving.
Spicier Version
Use fire-roasted tomatoes or tomatoes with green chilies.
Extra Hearty
Serve over cooked rice or egg noodles to stretch the meal further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Mulligan Stew ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, many people find the flavor improves the next day.
Can I freeze Mulligan Stew?
Absolutely. Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
What potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are traditional, but Yukon Gold potatoes also work well.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew is the definition of simple comfort food. With just a handful of affordable ingredients, you can create a warm, hearty dinner that satisfies the whole family. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a nostalgic recipe that reminds you of home, this classic slow cooker stew is always a great choice.
