There's something truly comforting about coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a hearty cowboy stew simmering in the crockpot. This recipe is the perfect combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a rich tomato-based broth that’s packed with flavor.

I discovered this gem during a camping trip when a friend introduced me to her "throw-it-all-in" stew. With a little tweaking, it’s now one of my go-to meals for chilly evenings or busy days when I need something satisfying and easy to make. Let’s dive into what makes this crockpot cowboy stew so special.
Why You'll Love This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this comforting, one-pot meal that’s perfect for families and gatherings. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.
First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With just a bit of chopping and browning, you can toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the rest. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t have time to stand over the stove.
Second, this recipe is packed with flavor. The combination of smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned tomato broth creates a rich, hearty stew that everyone will enjoy. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug.
It’s also budget-friendly. Using pantry staples like canned beans and tomatoes, plus affordable ingredients like potatoes and sausage, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Finally, this stew is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to fit your preferences, whether that means adding extra veggies, swapping out the protein, or dialing up the spice.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this cowboy stew lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this dish.
Smoked sausage is the star of the show here. Its smoky flavor infuses the stew as it cooks, adding a savory depth that ties everything together. You can use kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite smoked sausage.
Ground beef adds heartiness and makes the stew more filling. Be sure to brown it beforehand to enhance the flavor and prevent excess grease in the crockpot.
Potatoes provide the perfect balance of texture and substance. Russet potatoes work well because they hold their shape as they cook, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier consistency.
Canned tomatoes are a key part of the stew’s base. I recommend using fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra smoky flavor. Diced tomatoes with green chilies can add a subtle kick.
Beans round out the stew, adding protein and creaminess. Pinto beans are traditional, but black beans or kidney beans work just as well.
You’ll also need a few pantry staples like onions, garlic, chicken broth, and tomato paste to build flavor. A blend of spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin gives the stew its signature warmth and depth.
How To Make This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Creating this delicious stew is as easy as can be. Here’s how to do it, step by step.
Start by browning the smoked sausage and ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. This step enhances the flavors and ensures a nice texture in the final dish. Once browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to your crockpot.
Next, dice your onions, garlic, and potatoes. Layer them on top of the meat in the crockpot, along with your canned tomatoes, beans, and tomato paste. These ingredients will form the base of your stew, so take a moment to distribute them evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth and spices. Pour this flavorful mixture over the contents of the crockpot. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed.
Set your crockpot to low and let the stew cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty stew.
Before serving, give the stew a final stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed. Serve hot with fresh bread or crackers for a comforting, complete meal.
Storage Options
This crockpot cowboy stew stores wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep.
For leftovers, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
To freeze, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
If you’re reheating a large batch, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency, as the potatoes and beans may thicken the stew during storage.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this cowboy stew is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.
For extra veggies, try adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers. They’ll bring even more color and nutrition to the dish.
If you like a spicier stew, consider using spicy andouille sausage or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Want to make it gluten-free? Double-check your sausage and broth labels to ensure they’re free of gluten-containing ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Vegetarian? Swap the sausage and ground beef for plant-based alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
If you’re looking to cut down on prep time, use frozen diced potatoes or pre-chopped vegetables. They’ll work just as well and save you valuable minutes.
With so many options, this hearty crockpot cowboy stew is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Experiment, adjust, and enjoy!
PrintHearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe
This hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew recipe is loaded with ground beef, potatoes, beans, and veggies, making it a filling and flavorful comfort food. Perfect for slow cooking, it's an easy one-pot meal ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain any excess grease.
- Add the browned beef, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, corn, and onion to the crockpot.
- Pour in the beef broth and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage.
- Add more spice with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- For extra veggies, try adding diced bell peppers or carrots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
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