Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew 

Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew 

Looking for a simple, hearty, slow cooker dinner that warms the soul? This 4-ingredient mulligan stew is perfect for busy families, school nights, or anyone craving a budget-friendly comfort food recipe. Made with ground beef, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, this easy slow cooker stew is filling, nutritious, and requires almost no prep.

This recipe is a Depression-era classic turned modern slow cooker favorite. It’s rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins ground beef provides iron and protein, potatoes deliver potassium and vitamin C, and tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene. Pair it with bread, rice, or noodles for a complete meal that keeps everyone satisfied.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 2 pounds ground beef (80–85% lean) protein-packed
• 4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (3–4 medium potatoes) good source of potassium
• 2 cups diced yellow onion (2 medium onions) adds natural flavor and nutrients
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed or diced tomatoes with juice rich in antioxidants

Directions

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains and most liquid evaporates, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess grease if desired.
2. Layer ingredients: Add the browned beef to a 5–6 quart slow cooker. Layer the diced potatoes over the beef, then scatter the onions evenly on top.
3. Add tomatoes: Pour canned tomatoes with juice over the vegetables. Gently shake or press to ensure liquid surrounds all ingredients.
4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until potatoes are tender and onions are soft.
5. Finish and serve: Stir gently to combine into a rich, dark tomato-based broth. Serve hot with bread, cornbread, rice, or egg noodles.

Tips & Variations

• Thicker stew: Mash a few potatoes or leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 20–30 minutes.
• Add flavor: Use fire-roasted tomatoes or diced tomatoes with green chilies for a subtle kick.
• Kid-friendly: Dice onions finely so they melt into the stew.
• Stretch for a crowd: Serve over white rice, elbow macaroni, or egg noodles.
• Make-ahead: Leftovers stay fresh up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.

Health Benefits

• Ground beef: High in protein and iron for energy and muscle health.
• Potatoes: Provide fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Onions: Support immunity and add antioxidants.
• Tomatoes: Packed with lycopene, which promotes heart health.