As the crisp air signals the arrival of colder seasons, there’s a primal comfort in anticipating a thick, hearty stew. The thought of stepping indoors after a chilly day, greeted by the warm aroma of a slow-simmering meal, instantly brings a sense of coziness and contentment. This feeling is perfectly captured by our Slow Cooker Crock Pot Camp Stew Recipe. It’s a dish designed for those moments when you want to curl up by the fireplace, wrapped in warm blankets, and savor a truly satisfying dinner without the fuss. Our easy camp stew, brimming with rich flavors from ground beef and tender chicken, promises to be a comforting staple throughout the autumn and winter months.
Embrace Winter Comfort with a Hearty Slow Cooker Camp Stew
There’s nothing quite like a robust, filling dinner to chase away the winter chill. While we might not be ready for thoughts of snow and ice, the promise of a delicious, pre-made meal waiting for you at home can make even the coldest days feel a little brighter. This Crock Pot Camp Stew is your ultimate solution for hassle-free weeknight dinners, freeing you from the kitchen so you can truly enjoy your evening. Imagine settling onto the couch, watching your favorite show, and cuddling with your pets, all while a steaming bowl of homemade stew warms you from the inside out. It’s the quintessential winter comfort food, delivering both flavor and convenience in one delightful package.
The beauty of a slow cooker stew lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it develops over hours of gentle simmering. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, complex dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the world of slow cooking, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and guarantees a mouthwatering result every time. For those who appreciate the magic of slow cooking, we have a variety of other fantastic slow cooker stew recipes that are equally delightful:
- Crock Pot Guinness Stew: A rich and hearty stew, brimming with tender meat and deep, savory flavors.
- Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Stew: A delightful and unexpected twist on classic chicken alfredo, offering creamy indulgence in stew form.
- Thai Chicken Stew: An exotic and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week, bringing a taste of the far east to your slow cooker.
Why This Camp Stew is Your New Go-To Recipe
This easy camp stew recipe, made effortlessly in your slow cooker, is perfect for those days when you’re yearning for the great outdoors and the rustic charm of camping, even if a foot of snow covers your backyard. It conjures images of gathering around a campfire, sharing stories and a warm meal, but with the added comfort of your own home. It’s a versatile dish that bridges the gap between rugged adventure and modern convenience.
Our family, especially with a retired park ranger husband, is always planning the next great outdoor adventure. John, my husband, is a treasure trove of camping knowledge and shares incredible insights on his blog, Park Ranger John. If you’re planning a National Park camping trip or just dreaming of one, you’ll find his detailed guides invaluable. Be sure to explore his extensive resources on:
- Crater Lake Camping
- Devils Tower Camping
- Zion National Park Camping
These guides offer practical tips and beautiful inspirations, much like our camp stew offers comfort and sustenance. It’s about bringing a bit of that adventurous spirit into your daily life, one hearty meal at a time.
Ingredients for Your Delicious Crock Pot Camp Stew
The beauty of this camp stew lies in its straightforward ingredients, which come together to create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays a crucial role in building the hearty, comforting profile that makes this stew so irresistible.
Key Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: The foundation of this hearty stew. We recommend a leaner ground beef (85-90%) to avoid excessive grease, but any type will do. Browning it before adding to the slow cooker adds depth of flavor, though you can skip this step if you’re truly short on time for a more “set it and forget it” approach.
- Creamed Corn: This unexpected ingredient is the secret to the stew’s unique sweetness and creamy texture. It thickens the stew naturally and adds a comforting, slightly sweet note that balances the savory elements.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes, or even crushed tomatoes, provide the essential acidic base and chunky texture for the stew. They cut through the richness and add a fresh, tangy dimension. Feel free to use fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
- Boneless Chicken Breast: Complementing the ground beef, chicken breast adds another layer of protein and tenderness. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and distribution throughout the stew. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
- Ketchup: More than just a condiment, ketchup contributes a sweet and tangy tomato flavor that is classic in many hearty American-style stews. It’s a simple yet effective way to add depth and a touch of familiar comfort.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce is key for adding umami and a savory, slightly pungent depth. It enhances the meatiness of the stew and ties all the flavors together.
- Lemon Juice: A small amount of fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding a subtle tang that elevates the other flavors. Don’t skip this, as it makes a noticeable difference.
- Tabasco Sauce: For those who appreciate a little kick, a dash (or more!) of Tabasco sauce provides a gentle warmth and zest. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level, or omit it if you prefer a milder stew.
Equipment for Slow Cooker Success:
Having the right tools can make your slow cooking experience even more enjoyable and efficient. Here are a few recommendations:
- Mix n Chop: This handy kitchen tool is a game-changer for breaking up ground meat (like hamburger or sausage) while it browns. It makes the process quick, easy, and ensures no large chunks remain.
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature is fantastic for peace of mind, ensuring your dinner cooks perfectly without overcooking, even if you’re not home to turn it off right away. A 6-quart capacity is ideal for this recipe.
- Soup Bowls: A good, sturdy soup bowl that holds a generous serving of stew is essential for enjoying this comforting meal.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For preparing your chicken and any additional vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
Crafting Your Crock Pot Camp Stew: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing this Crock Pot Camp Stew is remarkably simple, making it perfect for busy individuals or families who crave wholesome, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Follow these easy steps to create a truly delicious and satisfying dish:
Preparation Steps:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the pound of ground beef. Use a Mix n Chop or a wooden spoon to break it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease from the pan. This step is optional but highly recommended as it adds a deeper, more robust flavor to the stew.
- Prepare the Chicken: If using fresh boneless chicken breast, cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). If you prefer, you can also use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
- Combine All Ingredients: Transfer the browned ground beef (if you browned it) and the cut chicken breast to your slow cooker. Add the creamed corn, diced tomatoes (undrained), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce.
- Stir Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together in the slow cooker until they are well combined. Ensure the chicken and beef are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 6 hours. The longer cooking time on low often results in more tender meat and a more developed flavor, but both settings yield excellent results.
- Stir Occasionally: While the stew is cooking, give it a stir every hour or so, if convenient, to ensure even cooking and to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. This also helps meld the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is complete and the chicken is tender, give the stew one final stir. Ladle generous portions into soup bowls and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions and Customization for Your Camp Stew
This slow cooker camp stew is a meal in itself, but a few simple additions can elevate the experience and make it even more satisfying. We also encourage you to get creative and customize it to your family’s preferences!
Perfect Pairings:
A hearty stew like this begs for something delicious on the side to soak up all the flavorful broth. Consider these options:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: A classic choice. A warm, crusty baguette or a soft dinner roll is perfect for dipping.
- Cornbread: For an authentic “camp” feel, serve with warm cornbread or cornbread muffins. The slight sweetness of cornbread complements the savory stew beautifully.
- Green Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
- Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For an even more substantial meal, serve the stew over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Don’t forget to check out our favorite sides for stew for more inspiration!
Make It Your Own: Stew Customization Tips
One of the joys of slow cooker recipes is their adaptability. Feel free to experiment with this camp stew recipe:
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, diced potatoes, or green beans to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. A cup or two of frozen mixed vegetables can also be stirred in during the last hour of cooking.
- Spice It Up (or Down): If you love heat, increase the Tabasco sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, simply reduce or omit the Tabasco. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a lovely smoky note.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh or dried herbs like a bay leaf (remove before serving), a sprig of fresh thyme, or a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning can add aromatic complexity.
- Different Proteins: Instead of ground beef, consider using ground turkey or a mix of ground pork and beef. Sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage) can also add a unique flavor profile.
- Cheese Topping: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving can add an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
- Smoky Flavor: A tiny splash of liquid smoke (just a few drops!) can intensify the “campfire” essence, especially if you brown the beef first.
Explore More Delicious Crockpot Stews
If this Slow Cooker Camp Stew sparks your love for easy, comforting meals, you’re in luck! We have a fantastic collection of other crockpot stew recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Each offers a unique flavor profile and the same beloved slow cooker convenience:
- Crockpot Guinness Beef Stew: A rich, dark, and incredibly flavorful beef stew, perfect for special occasions or when you crave something truly robust.
- Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Stew: A creamy and indulgent stew that combines the comfort of Alfredo with the heartiness of a slow-cooked meal.
- Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew: A vibrant and slightly sweet option, packed with wholesome goodness and warm spices.
- Crockpot Thai Chicken Stew: An aromatic and flavorful stew featuring the bold tastes of Thai cuisine, a delightful change of pace.
- Crockpot Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew: A unique combination of smoky sausage and succulent shrimp in a savory broth, offering a taste of the bayou.
- Crockpot Meatball Stroganoff Soup: All the creamy, savory flavors of beef stroganoff, transformed into a comforting slow cooker soup.
And for all the ground beef lovers, don’t miss our full collection of ground beef slow cooker recipes!
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our other categories for even more culinary inspiration:
- Copycat Recipes
- Dessert Recipes
- CrockPot Recipes
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Slow Cooker Crock Pot Camp Stew Recipe
Print Recipe
20 minutes
3 hours
3 hours 20 minutes
8
339
kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 1 pound hamburger browned
- 32 oz Cream Style Corn
- 32 oz tomatoes
- 8 oz Chicken Breast
- 1.25 cups Ketchup
- 3 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- dash tabasco sauce
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in crock pot.
- Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Stir occasionally.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 36
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Recipe originally shared January 4, 2018, updated on March 25, 2020.