Pour tomato soup over raw ground beef, together with 3 ingredients, into slow cooker for a hearty layered dinner that’s the one everyone asks for

This slow cooker 5-ingredient Amish-style shipwreck casserole is the kind of unfussy, layered dinner that’s been showing up at church potlucks and farmhouse tables across the Midwest for generations. The name “shipwreck” comes from the way everything collapses together into a cozy, tomato-sauced tangle—messy to look at, but exactly what you want on a chilly evening. Here, we keep it wonderfully simple: you’ll layer raw ground beef with potatoes, onions, and canned beans, then pour tomato soup over the top and let the slow cooker do the work. It’s practical, budget-friendly, and reliably turns into the dish everyone goes back for seconds of.

Serve this casserole straight from the slow cooker with a big spoon—no need to be precious about it. It’s lovely over a slice of buttered toast or alongside warm dinner rolls to soak up the tomato-rich juices. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or simple steamed green beans balances the richness nicely. If you’d like to stretch the meal, offer it over rice or egg noodles, and finish with something light and fresh for dessert, like citrus segments or a simple fruit salad.

Servings: 6

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (85–90% lean), raw

Lightly coat the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or a thin film of neutral oil to help prevent sticking.

Layer the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer, overlapping the slices slightly. Sprinkle with about 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. This base layer helps protect the meat from direct heat and keeps the potatoes tender.

Scatter the sliced onions evenly over the potatoes, followed by the drained and rinsed kidney beans. These layers add sweetness and heartiness as they simmer in the tomato soup.