There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew to warm you up on a chilly day. Packed with savory meats, tender potatoes, and a medley of veggies, this dish is as satisfying as it is comforting. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or preparing meals for the week, this one-pot wonder is a lifesaver.
I first discovered this recipe while camping with friends. The simplicity of tossing everything into a single pot over a campfire made it an instant hit. Now, I make it in my crockpot for that same rustic, hearty flavor with none of the hassle. Let’s dive in and see why this dish has become a staple in so many kitchens.
Why You'll Love This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food. This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew brings together the best of hearty ingredients and effortless cooking.
First off, it’s a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Simply add all the ingredients to your crockpot, set the timer, and let it work its magic. There’s no need to babysit a stove, making it ideal for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
This recipe is also incredibly filling. The combination of ground beef, sausage, potatoes, and beans creates a meal that satisfies even the biggest appetites. It's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even game-day gatherings.
Another reason to love this stew? It’s budget-friendly! Using simple pantry staples and affordable proteins means you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Finally, it’s highly versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s taste or use up what you already have on hand. Don’t like beans? Skip them. Want more spice? Add some jalapeños or crushed red pepper. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew lies in its blend of simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, savory taste that makes this dish so irresistible.
Ground beef and smoked sausage are the stars of this dish. The ground beef adds a hearty base, while the sausage lends a smoky, slightly spiced flavor that takes the stew to the next level. For the best results, use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
Potatoes provide that perfect comforting element. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are great choices, as they hold their shape well during cooking and soak up the delicious broth.
Speaking of broth, beef broth is a must for this recipe. It creates a rich, flavorful base that ties everything together. You can use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
For a hint of sweetness and depth, canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce are essential. They give the stew a rich, tomatoey flavor that balances beautifully with the meats and spices.
Lastly, vegetables like corn, carrots, and beans add both color and texture. Canned or frozen options work equally well, so use whatever you have on hand. If you’re looking to pack in more veggies, you can throw in zucchini or bell peppers.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe beyond your trusty crockpot. A large cutting board and a sharp knife will make prep work a breeze.
How To Make This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Making this delicious stew couldn’t be easier. With just a few steps, you’ll have a meal that’s ready to delight everyone at the table.
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. This step helps lock in flavor and prevents excess grease from making its way into your crockpot. Once browned, drain the fat and transfer the beef to your crockpot.
Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds and add them to the pot. This ensures every spoonful has that smoky, meaty goodness.
Next, dice your potatoes, carrots, and any other fresh vegetables you’re using. Add them to the crockpot along with the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked paprika if you have it. Stir everything together to combine.
Set your crockpot to low and let the stew simmer for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but the low-and-slow method brings out the best flavors.
Before serving, give the stew a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle it into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Storage Options
One of the best things about this stew is how well it stores. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
To refrigerate, let the stew cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label them with the date and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating is simple. Warm the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until piping hot.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
- Add a kick of heat with diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meats and double up on the beans and vegetables.
- Experiment with different beans – kidney beans, pinto beans, or even black beans work beautifully.
- Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for extra richness.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. This recipe is forgiving and practically begs for personalization. Enjoy exploring new flavor combinations!
PrintHearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe
Crockpot Cowboy Stew is the ultimate hearty meal combining ground beef, sausage, beans, potatoes, and veggies. Perfect for a filling dinner, this slow-cooked stew is flavorful, easy to make, and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) / 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) / 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the browned beef, sliced sausage, diced potatoes, onion, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and corn into the crockpot.
- Pour in the beef broth and season with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and 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 with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
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