There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of homemade stew at the end of a long day. It doesn’t need fancy ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. In fact, some of the most satisfying meals come from the simplest combinations—and this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew is a perfect example.
Made with just ground beef, potatoes, beef broth, and mixed vegetables, this rustic stew transforms a handful of inexpensive ingredients into a warm, hearty meal that tastes like it has been simmering for hours.
The slow cooker makes everything even easier. After browning the ground beef, you simply add everything to the slow cooker, cover it, and let the gentle heat do the rest. As it cooks, the potatoes become tender, the vegetables soften, and the beef infuses the broth with rich, savory flavor.
It’s the kind of recipe that’s especially welcome on busy weekdays. You can prepare everything in the morning, let the slow cooker work throughout the day, and come home to a warm dinner ready to serve.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, looking for an affordable meal, or simply craving a bowl of old-fashioned comfort food, this easy Mulligan stew is one recipe worth keeping around.
What Is Mulligan Stew?
Mulligan stew is traditionally associated with simple, rustic cooking where available ingredients were combined into one hearty pot of food.
Rather than following a strict recipe, the dish has long been adaptable. Different versions can contain various meats, vegetables, potatoes, and seasonings.
This slow cooker version keeps that flexible spirit while simplifying the ingredient list to just four main ingredients.
The result is a straightforward stew that’s filling, affordable, and easy to customize.
Why You’ll Love This 4-Ingredient Stew
There are plenty of reasons this recipe works so well for everyday cooking.
Only four main ingredients. You don’t need a long grocery list to make a satisfying dinner.
The slow cooker does most of the work. Once everything is combined, you can leave it to cook.
It’s budget-friendly. Ground beef, potatoes, broth, and canned vegetables are affordable pantry and refrigerator staples.
It’s hearty and filling. Potatoes and beef make this a substantial meal that can easily stand on its own.
It’s easy to customize. Add your favorite seasonings or substitute different vegetables depending on what you have available.
It’s great for leftovers. The flavors come together beautifully, making leftovers convenient for lunch or another dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need four basic ingredients for this easy slow cooker stew.
1 Pound Ground Beef
Ground beef gives the stew its savory, hearty foundation.
Choose the ground beef you normally use for family meals. If your beef produces a significant amount of grease while cooking, drain it before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Browning the beef first also adds more flavor than simply placing raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker.
4 Cups Diced Potatoes
Potatoes make the stew filling and give the broth a wonderful texture.
Russet, Yukon Gold, or similar potatoes all work well. Cut them into reasonably even pieces so they cook at approximately the same rate.
You can peel the potatoes or leave the skins on, depending on your preference.
2 Cups Beef Broth
Beef broth creates the savory liquid that brings everything together.
For a richer flavor, use a good-quality beef broth. Low-sodium broth can also be used if you’d like more control over the salt level.
1 Can Mixed Vegetables
Drain one can of mixed vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
A typical mixed vegetable blend works perfectly and usually contains several classic stew vegetables, making this an especially convenient shortcut.
If you prefer, you can replace the canned vegetables with fresh or frozen vegetables.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mulligan Stew
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it browns.
Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
If there is excess grease in the skillet, carefully drain it.
Browning the beef may add a few extra minutes to the preparation, but it’s worth doing because it gives the finished stew a deeper, richer flavor.
Step 2: Transfer the Beef to the Slow Cooker
Once the beef has been browned and drained, transfer it to your slow cooker.
Spread it across the bottom so it is ready to combine with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Vegetables
Add the diced potatoes and drained mixed vegetables.
There’s no need to layer everything perfectly. Simply add the ingredients and give them a quick stir.
Step 4: Pour in the Beef Broth
Pour the beef broth over the meat and vegetables.
Stir gently so the broth is distributed throughout the ingredients.
If you want to add seasonings such as black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs, this is a good time to do so.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
The stew is ready when the potatoes are tender and the flavors have had time to come together.
Cooking times can vary between slow cookers, so check the potatoes toward the end of the recommended cooking window.
Step 6: Stir and Serve
Once the potatoes are tender, give the stew a good stir.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Ladle the hot stew into bowls and serve immediately.
A warm piece of crusty bread on the side is an excellent addition for soaking up the savory broth.
Tips for the Best Mulligan Stew
Cut the Potatoes Evenly
Try to cut the potatoes into similarly sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly so you don’t end up with some pieces that are tender while others remain firm.
Brown the Beef First
Although it is tempting to skip this step, browning the ground beef first adds valuable flavor and improves the overall texture of the stew.
Don’t Add Too Much Liquid
The potatoes and vegetables will release some moisture as they cook. Two cups of beef broth are enough to create a flavorful stew without making it excessively watery.
Season to Taste
The four ingredients provide a solid foundation, but simple seasonings can take the stew to another level.
Try salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a little dried thyme.
How to Make the Stew Thicker
If you prefer a thicker stew rather than a brothier consistency, there’s a very simple trick.
Once the potatoes are fully tender, remove a few pieces and mash them with a fork.
Stir the mashed potatoes back into the stew.
The natural starch from the potatoes will help thicken the broth without requiring flour or cornstarch.
You can also allow the stew to sit uncovered for a few minutes after cooking so some of the excess steam can escape.
Easy Ingredient Variations
One of the best things about Mulligan stew is its flexibility.
Use Fresh Vegetables
Instead of canned mixed vegetables, use fresh carrots, peas, corn, green beans, or other vegetables you have available.
Try Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can replace the beef if you’d like a lighter variation.
Because turkey has a milder flavor, you may want to add extra garlic, onion powder, paprika, or herbs.
Add More Seasoning
For a richer flavor, try adding dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, garlic powder, or onion powder.
A little Worcestershire-style seasoning can also add extra savory depth if desired.
Add More Potatoes
If you want to make the stew stretch further, increase the amount of potatoes and add a little extra broth as needed.
What to Serve With Mulligan Stew
This stew is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but a few simple sides make it even better.
A loaf of crusty bread is probably the easiest choice. The bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
You can also serve it with dinner rolls, biscuits, cornbread, or a simple green salad.
For a cozy family dinner, there’s really no need to make anything complicated.
Can I Make Mulligan Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely.
In fact, stew is one of those meals that often tastes even better after sitting for a while because the flavors have more time to blend.
You can prepare the stew earlier in the day and keep it warm in the slow cooker until you’re ready to eat, following your slow cooker’s food-safety guidance.
For leftovers, allow the stew to cool and transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Can You Freeze Mulligan Stew?
Yes. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it safely in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Keep in mind that potatoes can change texture slightly after freezing and thawing, but the stew will still be delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew is the kind of recipe that reminds us that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ground beef, potatoes, beef broth, and mixed vegetables come together in the slow cooker to create a warm, hearty meal that’s affordable, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare.
It’s perfect for busy weekdays, chilly evenings, family dinners, or those moments when you simply want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Add a few simple seasonings if you like, serve it with warm crusty bread, and enjoy a bowl of old-fashioned comfort food.
Sometimes, the simplest recipes really are the ones we come back to again and again.
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mulligan Stew
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can mixed vegetables, drained
- Optional: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the beef.
- Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced potatoes and drained mixed vegetables.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together.
- Add optional seasonings according to taste.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir the stew well before serving.
- For a thicker consistency, mash a few cooked potato pieces and stir them back into the broth.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, biscuits, or your favorite side.