There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of hearty crockpot cowboy stew to chase away the chill of a busy day. This rustic dish combines tender meat, robust beans, and savory vegetables simmered to perfection in a rich broth. It's a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings the flavors of the old west right to your table.
I first discovered cowboy stew during a family camping trip, where it quickly became the highlight of the evening. Since then, I've adapted it into this crockpot version, making it an easy, hands-off favorite for weeknights and gatherings alike.
Why You'll Love This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food. This crockpot cowboy stew is the perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and nourishment.
First, it's unbelievably easy to make. With just a bit of prep, your crockpot does all the heavy lifting. This means you can go about your day while dinner cooks itself.
Next, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of tender ground beef, smoky sausage, and hearty beans creates a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of corn and tomatoes.
This stew is also a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, it’s a one-pot wonder that leaves you satisfied and energized.
Finally, it's endlessly versatile. Whether you're feeding a big family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this stew is guaranteed to please any crowd.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this cowboy stew lies in its mix of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here's what makes each component special.
Ground beef is the base of this stew. Its rich flavor adds a hearty depth, and browning it before adding to the crockpot enhances the taste even more. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Smoked sausage brings a savory, smoky kick to the dish. Sliced kielbasa or andouille work wonderfully here, adding layers of flavor that complement the beef.
Beans are the heart of this dish. I use a combination of pinto and kidney beans for variety, but you can mix in black beans or chickpeas if you prefer.
Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce form the backbone of the broth. The acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the meat and adds a subtle tang.
Corn brings a touch of sweetness and a burst of color. Frozen or canned corn works equally well, so use whatever you have on hand.
A packet of taco seasoning ties it all together with a punch of bold, zesty flavor. You can also make your own blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
For this recipe, a standard 6-quart crockpot is perfect. Make sure to have a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring and a ladle for serving.
How To Make This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Creating this flavorful cowboy stew couldn't be simpler. Follow these steps for a meal that practically cooks itself.
Start by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Once browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to your crockpot.
Add sliced smoked sausage to the crockpot, followed by diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans. If you're using canned beans, rinse and drain them first to reduce excess sodium.
Toss in the corn and sprinkle a packet of taco seasoning over everything. Stir well to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
Pour in a cup of water or beef broth to create a rich, flavorful base. Cover the crockpot with its lid, set it to low, and let it simmer for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours if you need dinner sooner.
About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
When ready to serve, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve with warm cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage Options
This cowboy stew is perfect for leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeks.
Refrigerate any leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
To freeze, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For best results, freeze the stew without garnishes. Add fresh toppings like cheese or cilantro after reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about cowboy stew is its versatility. Here are some ways to customize it to suit your preferences.
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You could even use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for an extra layer of texture and heartiness. They’ll cook beautifully in the crockpot alongside the other ingredients.
Experiment with different beans. Black beans, navy beans, or even lentils can add variety and texture.
Kick up the spice level by adding chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water about 30 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
This hearty crockpot cowboy stew is more than just a meal—it's an experience. Each spoonful bursts with bold flavors, tender textures, and a sense of homey comfort. Whether you're looking to simplify weeknight dinners, feed a crowd, or just enjoy a cozy bowl of goodness, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So, grab your ingredients, fire up that crockpot, and get ready to dig into a dish that warms your heart and fills your belly!
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Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Cowboy Stew is a hearty and flavorful recipe made with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and vegetables. A slow-cooked comfort food dish perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe will become a family favorite for its rich and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili powder
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the cooked beef to the crockpot.
- Add the diced potatoes, onion, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, mix together beef broth, tomato paste, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir everything together and set the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the potatoes are tender and the stew is heated through, serve warm with crusty bread or biscuits.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or hot sauce.
- For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes into the broth before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
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