There is nothing quite like coming home to a warm, hearty bowl of homemade stew. This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew is an easy, comforting meal made with simple ingredients that slowly cook together until the beef is tender, the potatoes are soft, and the broth is rich and flavorful.
Inspired by the old-fashioned tradition of Mulligan stew, this budget-friendly version keeps things wonderfully simple. It is perfect for busy weekdays, chilly evenings, family dinners, or whenever you want a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let everything simmer, and enjoy a delicious one-pot dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Mulligan Stew
- Only four main ingredients: A simple shopping list makes dinner easy.
- Slow cooker convenience: Let the appliance do most of the work.
- Hearty and filling: Beef and potatoes make every serving satisfying.
- Budget-friendly: Uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
- Perfect for leftovers: The flavors continue to develop as the stew rests.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
Salt, black pepper, and dried herbs may be added to taste, if desired. These are optional seasonings and are not included in the four main ingredients.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces if it is not already prepared. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook at a similar rate.
Step 2: Add the Beef
Place the beef stew meat in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread it into an even layer.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Tomatoes
Add the potato chunks over the beef. Pour the diced tomatoes, including their juices, over the top.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Add the beef broth, making sure the ingredients are surrounded by liquid. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, or dried herbs if desired.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 7–8 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
Cook until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft. Cooking times can vary depending on the slow cooker and the size of the beef pieces.
Step 6: Stir and Serve
Gently stir the stew before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Mulligan Stew
- Choose beef chuck stew meat for a tender, flavorful result.
- Cut potatoes into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Use waxy or all-purpose potatoes if you prefer chunks that hold their shape.
- Keep the lid closed while cooking to maintain the temperature.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few cooked potato pieces into the broth and stir.
- Make sure the beef is fully cooked and tender before serving.
Easy Variations
Add Carrots: Include chopped carrots for extra color and natural sweetness. This makes it a five-ingredient version.
Mushroom Mulligan Stew: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Garlic Herb Stew: Add minced garlic, thyme, or rosemary for extra depth.
Spicy Mulligan Stew: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
More Vegetables: Green beans, peas, or celery are delicious additions when you want a heartier vegetable stew.
What to Serve with Mulligan Stew
This hearty stew is wonderful served with:
- Warm homemade biscuits
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- A simple green salad
- Steamed green vegetables
A slice of crusty bread is especially useful for soaking up every bit of the rich tomato and beef broth.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the stew to cool slightly before transferring it to airtight containers.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot. Add a little broth or water if it becomes too thick.
For food safety, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mulligan stew?
Mulligan stew is a traditional, flexible one-pot meal often associated with using whatever meat and vegetables are available. Recipes vary, making it a practical and adaptable comfort food.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Beef chuck is a great choice because it becomes tender during slow cooking. Other suitable stew beef cuts can also be used.
Do I need to brown the beef first?
No. Browning is optional for this simple slow cooker version. However, searing the beef in a hot pan before adding it can give the stew a deeper roasted flavor.
Can I use red potatoes?
Absolutely. Red potatoes hold their shape well and are a good choice for slow cooker stews.
How can I make the stew thicker?
Mash a few potato chunks into the broth and stir. You can also remove the lid for the final 20–30 minutes on HIGH if your slow cooker instructions allow it.
Can I prepare this stew the night before?
You can cut and refrigerate the ingredients separately in covered containers. For best food safety, keep the raw beef refrigerated and assemble the stew just before cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew is the kind of simple, satisfying dinner that belongs in every collection of comfort food recipes. Tender beef, hearty potatoes, juicy tomatoes, and savory broth come together in one easy slow cooker meal.
It is filling, affordable, and wonderfully convenient for busy days. Serve it with warm bread or biscuits, gather around the table, and enjoy a homemade meal that brings comfort with every spoonful.
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 7 hours 15 minutes on LOW
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
Optional: Salt, black pepper, and dried herbs to taste.
Instructions
- Place the beef stew meat in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the potato chunks.
- Pour the diced tomatoes and their juices over the ingredients.
- Add the beef broth and optional seasonings.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
- Check that the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
- Stir gently and serve hot.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.