Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew – Grandpa’s Old-Fashioned Budget Dinner

Some of the most comforting meals don’t need a long shopping list or fancy ingredients. This slow cooker mulligan stew is a perfect example. Made with ground beef, potatoes, onions, and canned tomatoes, it’s a simple, filling dinner inspired by the kind of meals families relied on when money was tight.

Everything cooks together slowly until the potatoes are tender, the beef is flavorful, and the tomatoes create a rich, hearty broth. It’s an easy recipe to prepare in the morning and enjoy around the dinner table later in the day.

If you love old-fashioned comfort food that makes the most of everyday ingredients, this four-ingredient stew deserves a place in your recipe collection.

 

Recipe Details

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: Approximately 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
• Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)
• 4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 3–4 medium potatoes)
• 2 cups diced yellow onion (about 2 medium onions)
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed or diced tomatoes, with juice

 

Directions

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for 7–10 minutes, or until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add the beef: Transfer the cooked ground beef to the bottom of a 5–6-quart slow cooker.
3. Layer the vegetables: Spread the diced potatoes over the beef, followed by the chopped onions.
4. Pour in the tomatoes: Add both cans of tomatoes, including their juices. Spread them over the ingredients so everything is covered as evenly as possible.
5. Let it cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the onions are soft.
6. Stir and serve: Gently stir everything together, bringing the beef, potatoes, and tomatoes into a thick, hearty stew. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.

Serve hot while the broth is warm and the potatoes are tender.

 

Variations & Tips

• Make it thicker: Mash a few cooked potato pieces against the side of the slow cooker, then stir them back into the stew.
• Adjust the texture: Dice the potatoes smaller if you prefer softer, more evenly distributed bites.
• Choose your tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes create a smoother broth, while diced tomatoes give the stew more texture.
• Add extra flavor: Although the original recipe uses just four ingredients, you can add black pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite seasoning if you like.
• Stretch the meal: Serve it over cooked rice, elbow macaroni, or egg noodles when you need to feed a larger group.

 

What to Serve With Mulligan Stew

A thick slice of buttered bread is one of the easiest ways to enjoy this stew, especially when you want something to soak up the tomato broth.

You can also serve it with:

• Warm cornbread or saltine crackers
• A simple green salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Cooked white rice or egg noodles

 

Storage & Reheating

Allow leftover stew to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or heat a larger amount in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a small splash of water if the stew has thickened too much.

You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker?

Browning the beef in a skillet first is recommended for better flavor and texture. It also allows you to drain away excess grease before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Fresh russet potatoes work well in this recipe. Frozen diced potatoes may also be used, although their texture can become softer during a long cooking time.

Can I cook mulligan stew on HIGH?

Yes. Cook it on HIGH for approximately 4–5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the onions have softened.

Why is my stew too watery?

The tomatoes release liquid as they cook. For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes into the broth and stir well.

Can I prepare this stew ahead of time?

Yes. You can chop the potatoes and onions ahead and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. For the best results, brown the beef shortly before assembling the slow cooker.

 

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker mulligan stew is a reminder that a satisfying family dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Four everyday ingredients come together to make a generous pot of warm, hearty food that’s easy on the grocery budget.

Serve it with bread, gather everyone around the table, and enjoy a simple meal that feels like a little piece of old-fashioned home cooking.