Slow Cooker Mulligan Stew is a hearty, old-fashioned comfort food packed with tender meat, vegetables, and rich savory flavor. Often called a “clean out the pantry” stew, Mulligan Stew has a long history as a practical meal made from simple ingredients cooked together into a satisfying dish.

The beauty of Mulligan Stew lies in its flexibility. Traditionally, cooks would use whatever vegetables and meats were available, creating a filling and nourishing meal that could feed a family or a crowd. Today, the slow cooker makes preparing Mulligan Stew easier than ever. The low, gentle heat allows the ingredients to slowly blend together, creating deep flavor and fork-tender meat.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner, an easy meal prep recipe, or a hearty cold-weather favorite, Slow Cooker Mulligan Stew is a timeless recipe that delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients

One of the best things about Mulligan Stew is its adaptability. The following ingredients create a rich and flavorful version.

Main Ingredients

2 pounds beef stew meat
4 medium potatoes, diced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Vegetables

Green beans
Corn
Peas
Mushrooms
Bell peppers

Optional Seasonings

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon parsley
½ teaspoon rosemary
1 bay leaf

Thickening Ingredients (Optional)

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Why These Ingredients Work

Beef Stew Meat

Becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking.

Potatoes

Help thicken the stew naturally.

Vegetables

Provide texture, color, and flavor.

Broth

Creates the rich base of the stew.

Tomatoes

Add acidity and depth.

How To Slow Cooker Mulligan Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

Trim excess fat from the beef if necessary.

Step 2: Optional Browning

For extra flavor:

Brown the beef in a skillet for:

3–4 minutes per side.

This step is optional but highly recommended.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Place into the slow cooker:

Beef
Potatoes
Carrots
Celery
Onion
Garlic

Step 4: Add Liquids

Pour in:

Beef broth
Diced tomatoes
Worcestershire sauce

Step 5: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle:

Salt
Pepper
Thyme
Parsley
Paprika

over the top.

Step 6: Cook

Cook on:

LOW for 7–8 hours

HIGH for 4–5 hours

until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 7: Thicken (Optional)

Mix:

Cornstarch
Cold water

Stir into the stew during the final:

20–30 minutes.

Step 8: Remove Bay Leaf

Discard bay leaf before serving.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot.

You Must Know

Name: Slow Cooker Mulligan Stew
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons oil; 2 pounds cut up beef stew meat; ¼ cup flour; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon basil; ½ teaspoon rosemary; ½ teaspoon marjoram; 1 yellow onion chopped; 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 cloves garlic chopped; ½ teaspoon thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste; 32 ounces beef broth; 15 oz can can diced tomatoes; 1 lb gold potatoes cut into evenly sized chunks; 3 carrots peeled and sliced; 3 celery stalks sliced; 1 cup frozen green beans; 1 cup frozen lima beans; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 cup frozen peas; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

1. Low and Slow Works Best

Long cooking times create the most tender beef.

2. Browning Improves Flavor

Though optional, browning adds richness.

3. Don’t Overfill the Slow Cooker

Leave room for ingredients to cook evenly.

4. Root Vegetables Hold Up Well

Potatoes and carrots are ideal choices.

5. Mulligan Stew Is Flexible

Use what you have available.

6. Taste Before Serving

Adjust seasonings as needed.

7. The Flavor Improves Overnight

Many people enjoy leftovers even more.

Topping Variations

Fresh Parsley

Adds freshness and color.

Shredded Cheese

Cheddar melts beautifully into the stew.

Sour Cream

Provides creaminess and richness.

Crispy Bacon

Adds smoky crunch.

Green Onions

Offer brightness and texture.

Crusty Croutons

Perfect for extra texture.

Make It A Meal

Slow Cooker Mulligan Stew is satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with other dishes.

Bread Pairings

Serve with:

Crusty bread
Dinner rolls
Biscuits
Cornbread

Salad Pairings

Try:

Garden salad
Caesar salad
Coleslaw

Vegetable Sides

Serve with:

Roasted vegetables
Green beans
Asparagus

Family Dinner

Add:

Dessert
Fresh fruit
Drinks

Comfort Food Feast

Pair with:

Mashed potatoes
Bread
Butter

Pro Tips

1. Cut Vegetables Uniformly

This promotes even cooking.

2. Use Quality Broth

A good broth improves overall flavor.

3. Add Delicate Vegetables Later

Peas and green beans can become too soft.

4. Don’t Lift the Lid Often

Each peek releases valuable heat.

5. Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish

Adds vibrant flavor.

6. Make a Double Batch

The stew freezes beautifully.

7. Let It Rest Briefly

Allow flavors to settle before serving.

8. Adjust Thickness

Add extra broth for a soupier stew.

9. Store Properly

Cool before refrigerating.

10. Freeze Portions Individually

Makes future meals easy.

Recipe FAQs

What is Mulligan Stew?

Mulligan Stew is a rustic stew traditionally made with whatever ingredients are available.

Can I use ground beef?

Yes.

Ground beef works well as an alternative.

Can I make it with chicken?

Absolutely.

Chicken creates a lighter version.

How long do leftovers last?

Store in the refrigerator for:

3–4 days.

Can I freeze Mulligan Stew?

Yes.

Freeze for:

Up to 3 months.

Why is my stew thin?

It may need a cornstarch slurry or additional cooking time.

What potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold and russet potatoes both work well.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely.

Mulligan Stew is highly adaptable.

Do I need to brown the meat?

No, but it adds extra flavor.

Is Mulligan Stew budget-friendly?

Yes.

It’s one of the most economical comfort meals you can make.

Slow Cooker Mulligan Stew

Print Recipe

This hearty mulligan stew recipe is loaded with tender beef chunks and colorful veggies and makes a deliciously satisfying dinner.

Author: Brandy
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 1x
Category: Entree
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons oil
2 pounds cut up beef stew meat
¼ cup flour
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon basil
½ teaspoon rosemary
½ teaspoon marjoram
1 yellow onion chopped
1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic chopped
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
32 ounces beef broth
15 oz can can diced tomatoes
1 lb gold potatoes cut into evenly sized chunks
3 carrots peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks sliced
1 cup frozen green beans
1 cup frozen lima beans
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup frozen peas
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss stew meat in the flour until thoroughly coated.
In a large stockpot, heat oil over medium-high heat and brown the stew beef on all sides. Work in batches to avoid crowding so that meat sears, not steams. Remove meat from pot and set aside.
Add the onion and balsamic vinegar to the pot and cook for several minutes, until onion is tender. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen all those flavorful tidbits. Add garlic; cook for another 30 seconds.
Add beef stew meat back to the pot along with all vegetables except peas. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook for 2 1/2 hours or until beef is fork-tender. Add peas and let simmer, covered for another 30-45 minutes.
Sprinkle each serving with fresh chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.