Hearty Cowboy Crockpot Stew Recipe: A Rustic Comfort Classic

Cowboy stew offers a robust meal that warms your soul on chilly evenings.

Rustic ingredients mingle in a slow cooker, creating deep layers of flavor.

Ranch hands and trail workers would recognize this comforting blend of meat and vegetables.

Tender chunks of beef simmer alongside robust root vegetables and savory seasonings.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying dinner.

Each spoonful carries the spirit of western cooking traditions.

Serve this stew with warm cornbread, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto an open range.

Hearty Flavors in Crockpot Cowboy Stew

• Conquer Meal Prep Ease: Toss ingredients into the crockpot with minimal chopping and let the slow cooker do the magic, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious kitchen time.
• Customize Your Comfort: Packed with protein from ground beef and sausage, plus colorful vegetables, this stew offers flexible serving options like rice or bread, making it adaptable for different taste preferences.
• Build Family Dinner Excitement: Loaded with kid-friendly ingredients and robust flavors, this one-pot wonder transforms mealtime into a delicious gathering that satisfies everyone from picky eaters to hungry adults.
• Stretch Your Budget Brilliantly: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned beans, and pantry spices, this hearty stew stretches to feed a crowd without breaking the bank, perfect for budget-conscious cooking.

Ingredients That Make Cowboy Stew Special

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that forms the foundation of this cowboy stew.
• Smoked Sausage: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and additional protein to the dish.

• Potatoes: Provide a comforting, starchy element that helps thicken the stew.
• Onion: Offers a sweet and aromatic base to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Corn: Brings a touch of sweetness and texture to the hearty meal.

• Diced Tomatoes: Create a tangy and slightly acidic base for the stew.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Pinto Beans: Contribute protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for the stew.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Chili Powder: Blend of spices that add warmth and complexity to the flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

Step-by-Step for a Perfect Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Step 1: Sizzle and Prep the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and brown the ground beef thoroughly. Carefully drain away any excess fat, leaving behind the flavorful meat.

Step 2: Layer the Crockpot Magic

• Sliced sausage
• Diced potatoes
• Chopped onions
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beans
• Corn

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

The stew is ready when potatoes become tender and flavors meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming cowboy stew into bowls.

Pair with crusty bread or serve over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

Expert Guidance for Cowboy Stew Success

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish, ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing stew.
• Slice sausage into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the stew.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning according to personal taste preferences.
• Choose waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold for better texture that holds up during slow cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, serve over cauliflower rice or skip bread and use gluten-free bread alternatives.

Creative Twists to Try with Cowboy Stew

• Vegetarian Cowboy Stew: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat crumbles and vegetarian sausage. Use extra beans for protein and texture.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and increase chili powder for a fiery kick. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower chunks and reduce corn content. Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy as a standalone stew for a keto-friendly meal.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate zucchini, bell peppers, and swap traditional seasonings with oregano, basil, and smoked paprika. Finish with crumbled feta cheese on top.

Pairing Ideas for Crockpot Cowboy Stew

• Ranch Feast Companion: Pair with warm, buttered cornbread to soak up the rich, savory stew sauce.
• Campfire Comfort Bowl: Serve over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a filling, hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Southwestern Twist: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to add zesty flavors and creamy texture.
• Family-Style Spread: Create a casual buffet-style meal by setting out additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, green onions, and crispy tortilla strips for customizable servings.

Keeping Your Cowboy Stew Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate cowboy stew for 3-4 days maximum, ensuring the container is sealed tightly.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents to track freshness.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this cowboy stew unique?

The combination of ground beef, sausage, potatoes, and mixed vegetables creates a robust, filling meal that captures the rustic essence of cowboy cooking.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild seasonings and hearty ingredients make this stew appealing to children, and it’s an excellent way to get them to eat vegetables.

• Can I make this stew spicier?

Absolutely! You can add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables before adding them to the crockpot?

No, the long, slow cooking process in the crockpot will soften and cook the potatoes, onions, and other vegetables perfectly without pre-cooking.

Comforting Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Simmering comfort awaits with this hearty crockpot cowboy stew recipe from rugged ranch lands. Robust beef, vegetables, and bold spices create a deeply satisfying meal that warms souls and connects you to western culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Hearty Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) smoked sausage, sliced

Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce

Beans and Seasonings:

• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) pinto beans, drained
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a skillet at medium heat until browned, thoroughly draining accumulated fat to prevent excess grease.
2. Transfer browned beef into crockpot, layering with sliced sausage, diced potatoes, chopped onions, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, mixed beans, and corn kernels.
3. Infuse the mixture with robust seasonings like garlic powder, smoky paprika, zesty chili powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, stirring ingredients to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Pour beef broth over the assembled ingredients, ensuring all components are sufficiently moistened and integrated.
5. Secure crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing ingredients to tenderize and meld flavors completely.
6. Once potatoes reach fork-tender consistency and stew develops rich, deep aroma, remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Ladle steaming stew into deep bowls, pairing with crusty artisan bread or fluffy rice to create a satisfying, hearty meal perfect for cold evenings.

Notes

• Enhance meat flavor by seasoning ground beef with a dash of Worcestershire sauce before browning.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and make the dish healthier.
• Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg