There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew to satisfy your hunger after a long day. This savory and filling dish brings together tender ground beef, chunky potatoes, and flavorful beans in a rich, comforting broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
I discovered this recipe during a camping trip with friends, and it quickly became a staple in our home. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a hungry family or batch-cooking for the week ahead. Let’s dive into the details of why this cowboy stew is about to become your go-to slow cooker recipe.
Why You'll Love This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew
Get ready to fall in love with this comforting one-pot meal that delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
First and foremost, this recipe is incredibly easy. You can toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning, let it simmer all day, and come home to a dinner that's ready to serve. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal.
It’s also super filling and budget-friendly. With ingredients like ground beef, beans, and potatoes, this stew stretches to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for large families or for meal prepping lunches and dinners.
The flavors are simply irresistible. Smoky, savory, and just a touch spicy, every bite bursts with a balance of hearty textures and rich tastes. Plus, the recipe is endlessly versatile, so you can tweak it to suit your preferences or use up whatever you have on hand.
Finally, this stew is perfect for busy schedules. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, it’s a recipe you can count on to deliver with minimal fuss.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Crockpot Cowboy Stew lies in its simple, accessible ingredients, each bringing its own unique touch to the dish.
Ground Beef forms the base of the stew, adding a rich, meaty flavor. For the best results, use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. You can also swap in ground turkey or sausage for a twist on the classic.
Potatoes add hearty texture and absorb the stew's savory broth beautifully. Russet potatoes work best, but you can use red or gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture.
Canned Beans are the ultimate time-saver and bring a protein-packed boost to the stew. Pinto beans and kidney beans are classic choices, but black beans or white beans can work just as well.
Diced Tomatoes with green chilies give the stew its tangy base and a hint of spice. If you prefer a milder flavor, plain diced tomatoes will do the trick.
Corn Kernels bring a touch of sweetness that balances the smoky and spicy elements of the stew. Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work perfectly here.
You’ll also need a handful of pantry staples like onion, garlic, beef broth, and seasonings to round out the flavor. No special equipment is needed—just your trusty crockpot!
How To Make This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Creating this cozy, flavor-packed stew is as easy as layering ingredients and letting your slow cooker do the work.
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
In the crockpot, layer the diced potatoes at the bottom. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the delicious flavors from the stew.
Add the browned ground beef to the crockpot, followed by the drained and rinsed beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, and your seasonings. A mix of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin will give the stew its signature smoky-spicy kick.
Pour in the beef broth, ensuring everything is just submerged. If you prefer a thicker stew, use less broth; for a soupier texture, add a bit more.
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 instead. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the flavors meld together.
Once the potatoes are tender, give the stew a final stir and taste for seasoning. Add a pinch of salt or a dash of hot sauce if desired. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or shredded cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
Storage Options
This Crockpot Cowboy Stew is a meal prepper’s dream. Leftovers store beautifully and taste even better the next day.
For the refrigerator, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and store it for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
For longer storage, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Avoid storing leftovers in the crockpot insert, as it’s not designed for cold storage and can lead to uneven reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for using up pantry staples or catering to dietary needs.
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or add extra beans and veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
Prefer a spicier stew? Add a diced jalapeño or an extra teaspoon of chili powder to the mix.
To make it creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
If you’re looking to reduce carbs, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced turnips.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding smoked sausage or bacon for a smoky, meaty twist that takes this stew to the next level.
Crockpot Cowboy Stew is the ultimate comfort food, and its flexibility means you’ll never get bored. Get creative and make it your own!
PrintHearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe
- This Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew recipe is a savory and filling one-pot meal, perfect for feeding a crowd. Loaded with tender beef, flavorful potatoes, and beans, this slow-cooked stew is a comforting dinner option for busy days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Stews
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add the cooked beef, sausage, tomatoes, beans, corn, potatoes, and onion to a crockpot.
- Pour in beef broth and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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