There's nothing quite like coming home to the rich, savory aroma of Crockpot Cowboy Stew simmering away. This hearty, rustic dish is packed with tender beef, smoky sausage, and a medley of vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful tomato broth.

I first discovered this recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and my trusty slow cooker, I had a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal that quickly became a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Get ready to fall in love with a stew that’s as easy as it is satisfying. This Crockpot Cowboy Stew is the perfect blend of convenience and old-fashioned comfort food.

First, it's effortless to make. Just brown the meat, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work. No need to babysit a pot on the stove!

Second, it's packed with flavor. The combination of ground beef, smoked sausage, and tender potatoes creates a rich, meaty base, while the spices and tomatoes add a deep, savory kick.

Another big plus? It’s budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples and affordable cuts of meat, this dish is as easy on your wallet as it is on your schedule.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, this stew will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cowboy Stew lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s break down the key components that make this dish so delicious.

Ground Beef – The base of this stew starts with lean ground beef. Browning it before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and prevents excess grease.
Smoked Sausage – Adds a delicious smoky depth. Kielbasa or andouille sausage both work beautifully here.
Potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes hold up well during slow cooking, creating a hearty texture without turning mushy.
Beans – A mix of kidney beans and pinto beans adds protein and a slightly creamy texture to the stew.
Tomatoes – Diced fire-roasted tomatoes bring a subtle smoky sweetness, while tomato sauce helps thicken the broth.
Corn – A touch of sweetness from canned or frozen corn balances out the richness of the stew.
Seasonings – Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce add layers of bold, comforting flavors.

No special equipment is needed—just a slow cooker and a large skillet for browning the meat.

How to Make Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Making this Crockpot Cowboy Stew is incredibly simple, and your slow cooker does most of the work. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease before transferring it to the slow cooker.

Next, slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds and lightly brown them in the same skillet for extra flavor. This step isn't necessary, but it adds a delicious depth to the stew. Add the sausage to the slow cooker.

Now, add the vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes, then toss them into the crockpot along with drained beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and tomato sauce.

For the best flavor, mix in the seasonings—chili powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, then pour in beef broth until the ingredients are just covered.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours) until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Give the stew a final stir before serving. The broth will be thick and rich, coating every bite with smoky, savory goodness.

Storage Options

This Cowboy Stew stores wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even better the next day!
Freezer: Let the stew cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

Variations and Substitutions

This Cowboy Stew is super adaptable—feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand!

Swap the meat – Try using ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even venison for a different twist.
Make it spicier – Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Add more veggies – Throw in bell peppers, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition.
Use different beans – Black beans or chickpeas work well in place of kidney or pinto beans.
Go low-carb – Skip the potatoes and add extra meat or cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.

Experimenting with this recipe is half the fun! Whether you stick to the classic version or mix it up with your favorite ingredients, you’re in for a hearty, comforting meal every time.