There's nothing quite like the rich, smoky aroma of Cowboy Stew simmering away in the crockpot all day. Packed with ground beef, sausage, potatoes, and beans, this dish is a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

I first came across this recipe on a camping trip, where a friend tossed together whatever ingredients we had into a big pot over the fire. The result? A bold, hearty stew that tasted like comfort in a bowl. Now, I make it at home in my slow cooker for an easy, hands-off meal that the whole family loves.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Stew

Get ready to add a new favorite to your crockpot lineup! This Cowboy Stew is a one-pot wonder that’s as easy as it is satisfying.

First, it’s incredibly filling. With savory meats, tender potatoes, and a rich tomato-based broth, each spoonful is packed with flavor and texture, making it a meal all on its own.

It's also effortless to make. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting—just brown your meat, toss everything in, and let it work its magic. There’s no need to babysit the stove, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Another bonus? It’s budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like canned beans, diced tomatoes, and frozen vegetables, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Finally, it’s super versatile. You can swap in different proteins, veggies, or seasonings based on what you have on hand. Whether you like it extra spicy, smoky, or mild, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Cowboy Stew comes from its hearty, rustic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef & smoked sausage – These add a rich, meaty flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chorizo for a different twist.

Potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes hold up best in the slow cooker, giving the stew a creamy texture while soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Canned beans – Pinto, kidney, or black beans work well. They add protein and heartiness, making the dish even more filling.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies – These bring a subtle kick of spice and acidity that balances the richness of the meat. If you prefer a milder version, use plain diced tomatoes.

Corn & mixed vegetables – Frozen corn and a mix of peas, carrots, and green beans add sweetness and color to the stew.

Seasonings – A blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin gives this stew its signature bold, smoky flavor.

Beef broth – This ties everything together, creating a deep, savory base that enhances all the other flavors.

You'll also need a large slow cooker (6 quarts or bigger) to fit all the ingredients comfortably.

How To Make This Cowboy Stew

Making Crockpot Cowboy Stew is incredibly simple—just a few easy steps, and your slow cooker will do the rest!

Start by browning the meats. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and transfer it to the slow cooker. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds and brown it slightly in the same pan to bring out its smoky flavor. Add it to the crockpot as well.

Next, prep the veggies. Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Dice an onion for extra depth of flavor. If you're using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, mince a couple of cloves.

Now, it’s time to build the stew. Add the diced tomatoes, beans, corn, mixed vegetables, and potatoes to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, then sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors will become. Your kitchen will be filled with the rich, smoky scent of cowboy-style comfort food!

Before serving, give it a good stir and check if the potatoes are fork-tender. If the stew is too thick, add a little extra broth to reach your desired consistency.

Serve it up hot with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this Cowboy Stew stores beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making it even better the next day!
Freezer: This stew freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll last for 3 months.
Reheating: Warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. For a quick option, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

The best thing about this stew? You can make it your own! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Spicy Kick: Love heat? Add sliced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for an extra fiery stew.
Protein Swap: Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even pulled pork for a new flavor twist.
Different Beans: Pinto, black, or cannellini beans all work well—mix and match your favorites!
Extra Smokiness: A dash of liquid smoke or a teaspoon of smoked chipotle powder enhances the campfire-inspired taste.
Veggie-Packed: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for more color and nutrition.

No matter how you customize it, this Crockpot Cowboy Stew is guaranteed to be a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. So grab your slow cooker and get ready for one seriously delicious dinner!