There’s something magical about a simmering pot of Crockpot Cowboy Stew filling your kitchen with its rich, savory aroma. This dish is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty blend of tender meat, robust beans, and wholesome vegetables all slow-cooked to perfection.

I first came across this recipe during a camping trip, where it quickly became a family favorite. What started as a way to use up pantry staples turned into a meal everyone looks forward to. It's simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Let’s dive into the details!
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Cowboy Stew
Get ready to fall in love with a stew that’s as satisfying as it is versatile. This Crockpot Cowboy Stew has something for everyone, making it a must-have in your meal rotation.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With the help of a slow cooker, you can toss the ingredients together in the morning and come home to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner by evening. Minimal effort, maximum reward!
Next, this recipe is budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned beans, and frozen vegetables, you can create a filling meal that won’t break the bank.
It’s also great for leftovers. This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it ideal for meal prep or freezing for future dinners.
Finally, it’s highly customizable. Whether you like it spicy, prefer different vegetables, or want to swap the protein, this stew adapts beautifully to your preferences.
Ready to get started? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe so special.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Crockpot Cowboy Stew lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating a dish that’s both hearty and delicious.
Start with ground beef. It’s the foundation of this stew, offering a rich, meaty base. Choose an 80/20 blend for the best flavor, and don’t forget to drain any excess grease after browning.
Canned beans add protein and texture. Kidney beans and pinto beans work wonderfully, but you can mix and match depending on your taste. Be sure to rinse and drain them to remove excess sodium.
The potatoes give the stew its hearty, stick-to-your-ribs quality. Russets are a great choice because they hold up well during the long cooking time and soak up all the flavorful juices.
Don’t overlook the importance of vegetables. A mix of diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and chopped onions adds sweetness and acidity, balancing the dish perfectly. You can even throw in bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Finally, the seasonings—a combination of chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce—tie everything together, delivering a smoky, savory punch. You’ll also need a crockpot to bring it all to life!
How To Make This Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Creating this Crockpot Cowboy Stew couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to make it step by step.
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks, and drain off any excess fat once it’s browned. This step ensures the stew has a rich, meaty flavor without being greasy.
Next, prep your vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, chop the onion, and gather your canned goods. This makes the assembly process quick and seamless.
Now it’s time to layer the ingredients in your slow cooker. Start with the potatoes on the bottom, followed by the browned ground beef, onions, beans, and corn. Pour in the diced tomatoes (juice included) and top it all with your seasonings and Worcestershire sauce.
Add just enough beef broth to cover the ingredients, then give everything a good stir. Set your crockpot to low and let it simmer for 6-8 hours, or cook on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Before serving, give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese or fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of flavor. Serve it hot with crusty bread or cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Storage Options
Leftovers? You’re in luck! This Crockpot Cowboy Stew stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeks.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire batch on the stovetop over low heat.
- Freezer: This stew is freezer-friendly! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and date them before freezing for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Crockpot Cowboy Stew is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Switch up the protein. Don’t feel limited to ground beef—try ground turkey, chicken, or even diced sausage for a different twist.
- Make it vegetarian. Skip the meat and add extra beans, lentils, or even diced sweet potatoes for a plant-based version.
- Add some heat. Love spicy food? Toss in diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to give the stew a fiery kick.
- Use fresh veggies. If you prefer fresh over frozen, go for it! Bell peppers, zucchini, and fresh corn kernels all work beautifully.
- Experiment with seasonings. Feel free to add your favorite spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or even a dash of liquid smoke for extra depth.
No matter how you customize it, this stew is bound to become a household favorite. So grab your crockpot and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
PrintHearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe
Crockpot Cowboy Stew is a rich and hearty dish made with ground beef, smoked sausage, potatoes, beans, and vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stew, Slow Cooker
- Method: slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef to the crockpot and add sliced sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, beans, onion, and garlic.
- Pour in beef broth and season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Substitute kidney beans with pinto or black beans for variety.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
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