There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Cowboy Stew after a long day. This hearty, flavor-packed dish is loaded with tender beef, smoky sausage, potatoes, and beans, all simmered together in a rich, savory broth. It’s a meal that fills you up and warms your soul—perfect for chilly nights or when you need an easy, no-fuss dinner.

I first discovered this recipe on a camping trip, where a friend threw together simple pantry staples into a pot over an open fire. The result? An incredibly satisfying, rustic meal that quickly became a family favorite. Now, I make it in the crockpot, letting the slow cooker do all the work while I go about my day.

Why You'll Love This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Get ready to fall in love with a true one-pot wonder. This Cowboy Stew isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with protein, veggies, and bold flavors that make it a must-try for any comfort food lover.

First off, it’s effortless to make. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its magic. No need for constant stirring or watching over the stove!

It’s also budget-friendly. This recipe makes a big batch using simple, affordable ingredients, making it great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

The flavors are absolutely incredible. The combination of smoky sausage, tender beef, and a tomato-rich broth creates a deep, comforting taste that only gets better the longer it cooks.

And finally, it’s super versatile. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap the protein, or spice things up, this stew is easy to customize to your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Cowboy Stew comes from a handful of simple ingredients that blend together perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef – This forms the hearty base of the stew. I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture. If you prefer, ground turkey or bison work great too!

Smoked Sausage – Adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the beef beautifully. Andouille, kielbasa, or even chorizo can be used for a different twist.

Potatoes – I like using Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape well while becoming fork-tender. If you prefer a creamier texture, try russet potatoes.

Beans – Kidney beans and pinto beans add fiber and protein while soaking up all the delicious flavors. You can swap them for black beans or white beans if you prefer.

Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes – These create the rich, flavorful base of the stew. Fire-roasted tomatoes add an extra smoky depth if you can find them.

Corn – A little sweetness balances out the smoky and savory flavors. Frozen or canned corn works just fine.

Spices – Chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin bring warmth and a little heat. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste!

Beef Broth – This helps create a rich, comforting stew. Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt level.

No special equipment is needed—just a slow cooker (at least 6-quart size) and a skillet for browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot.

How To Make This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Making Cowboy Stew in the crockpot couldn’t be easier! Just follow these simple steps:

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to prevent the stew from becoming too oily.

While the beef is cooking, slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds. This helps distribute the smoky flavor evenly throughout the stew.

Next, add everything to the slow cooker—the browned beef, sliced sausage, diced potatoes, drained beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Give it a good stir to combine.

Pour in the beef broth until all ingredients are just covered. This ensures a rich, thick stew with the perfect consistency. If you like a thinner stew, you can add a little extra broth.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together!

Before serving, give the stew a good stir and taste for seasoning. If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Storage Options

This stew is perfect for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

For refrigeration, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For freezing, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each one. If the stew has thickened too much, just add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Cowboy Stew is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or use spicy smoked sausage like andouille or chorizo. A pinch of cayenne pepper also adds a nice kick.

Want extra veggies? Throw in carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini for added nutrition and color.

If you prefer a different protein, try making this with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even cubed steak. You can also make a meatless version by skipping the meat and adding more beans.

To lighten it up, swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes and use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

For a Tex-Mex twist, add a can of green chilies and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

No matter how you make it, this Crockpot Cowboy Stew is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s the kind of meal that warms your belly and brings everyone to the table. Enjoy!