Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Potato and Lima Bean Stew

When money was tight, my neighbor relied on this simple potato and lima bean stew to keep everyone full without spending much on groceries. Made with just 3 ingredients, this old-fashioned slow cooker recipe transforms humble potatoes and canned lima beans into a thick, hearty meal that feels surprisingly satisfying. It’s an easy, affordable dinner for busy weeknights, tight grocery budgets, or those days when you want a comforting homemade meal without much effort.

This slow cooker potato stew gets its naturally thick texture from tender potatoes that soften and break down during cooking, while the lima beans add a creamy bite and plant-based protein. Serve it with warm cornbread, buttered toast, or crusty bread to make every spoonful count.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) lima beans, drained
• 3 cups water

Instructions

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks.
2. Add the potatoes, drained lima beans, and water to your slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender.
4. Stir well and lightly mash some of the potatoes against the sides of the slow cooker to create a thicker, creamier broth.
5. Taste and add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite seasonings if desired. Serve warm with bread or your favorite simple side dish.

Benefits of This Easy Potato and Lima Bean Stew

• Budget-friendly meal: Uses inexpensive pantry staples to help stretch your grocery budget.
• Only 3 ingredients: Keeps shopping lists short and preparation simple.
• Easy slow cooker dinner: Requires minimal hands-on preparation, making it ideal for busy days.
• Filling and satisfying: Potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy, while lima beans contribute plant-based protein and dietary fiber.
• Naturally dairy-free and vegetarian: The basic recipe contains no meat or dairy and can fit into many meat-free meal plans.
• Great for meal prep: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in a covered container and reheat thoroughly, adding a little water if the stew becomes too thick.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• For extra flavor: Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder.
• For a creamier texture: Mash more of the cooked potatoes before serving.
• For richer broth: Replace the water with vegetable broth.
• For added flavor: Include a chopped onion if you have one available.
• For serving: Pair with cornbread, toasted bread, cooked greens, or a crisp cucumber salad.