Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe: The Rustic Comfort Classic

Craving a robust cowboy stew that packs serious comfort into every spoonful?

Rustic ingredients dance together in a slow cooker, creating magic for hungry souls.

Ranch hands and city dwellers alike adore this one-pot wonder.

Tender beef chunks swim alongside colorful vegetables in a rich, savory broth.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor without complicated kitchen gymnastics.

Pepper, paprika, and hearty seasonings give this stew its signature southwestern swagger.

Come hungry and leave completely satisfied with this soul-warming meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Pairing Suggestions for Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

• Campfire Comfort Platter: Serve this hearty stew in deep rustic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for added color and brightness.
• Cowboy Bread Companion: Pair the stew with warm, buttered cornbread or crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious broth and add extra satisfaction.
• Southwestern Side Kick: Top the stew with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions to enhance flavors and create a more indulgent meal experience.
• Cozy One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy directly from the crockpot during casual family dinners or game nights, making cleanup a breeze and serving feel effortless.

Storing Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the stew cools completely before storing.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Label containers with the date and contents for easy tracking.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this stew?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. You can also replace smoked sausage with andouille sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Check that your beef broth, ranch-style beans, and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Some brands might contain gluten, so always read labels carefully.

• How can I make this stew spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase heat. You can also use spicy smoked sausage or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the crockpot for extra kick.

Hearty Cowboy Stew from the Crockpot

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot with minimal chopping, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves kitchen time and energy.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty proteins and vegetables, this stew delivers robust flavors that satisfy everyone from kids to adults with its classic cowboy-style appeal.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, sausage, and canned vegetables, this recipe provides a filling meal without breaking the bank, perfect for feeding a hungry family.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process make this stew a go-to solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, and casual gatherings where convenience matters most.

Ingredients Needed for Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the foundation of the hearty cowboy stew.
• Smoked Sausage: Adds a rich, smoky dimension and additional meaty texture to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Corn, Potatoes, Onion: A colorful mix of vegetables that provides nutritional depth and rustic charm to the stew.
• Ranch-Style Beans: Contributes a southwestern flair and extra protein to the recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: A harmonious combination of spices that enhances the overall flavor profile of the cowboy stew.
• Beef Broth: Serves as the liquid base that helps meld all ingredients together and creates a rich, savory cooking environment.

Cooking Instructions for Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook ground beef until it turns golden brown. Drain away any extra fat to keep the dish lean and delicious.

Step 2: Combine Meaty Goodness

Transfer the browned beef into the crockpot and add sliced smoked sausage for an extra layer of smoky flavor.

Step 3: Layer in Fresh Vegetables and Beans

• Diced tomatoes
• Ranch-style beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced potatoes
• Chopped onions

Step 4: Create Flavor Magic

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Gently stir all ingredients to distribute flavors evenly.

• Low setting: Cook for 6-8 hours
• High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours

Check that potatoes are tender and fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Give the stew a final stir and ladle into bowls.

Enjoy this hearty cowboy stew piping hot with family and friends.

Handy Notes on Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the stew, ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Select waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better texture and less disintegration during slow cooking.
• Replace beef broth with low-sodium chicken broth for a lighter flavor profile if desired.
• Enhance the stew's depth by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick.
• For gluten-free diets, verify that ranch-style beans and seasonings are certified gluten-free before preparing.

Flavor Variations for Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew

• Vegetarian Ranch Bean Stew: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based protein crumbles and vegetarian sausage, keeping the same bean and vegetable mix.
• Spicy Southwestern Cowboy Stew: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder to create a hotter, more intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cowboy Stew: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets and reduce corn to minimize carbohydrate content, perfect for keto dieters.
• Lean Protein Cowboy Stew: Use ground turkey instead of beef, and turkey sausage in place of smoked sausage for a lighter, lower-fat version of the classic recipe.

Rustic Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rustic cowboy stew delivers robust flavors from hearty meats and vegetables simmered in rich southwestern spices. Ranch-style comfort emerges as a complete one-pot meal that nourishes and satisfies hunters, ranchers, and home cooks alike.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage, sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) ranch-style beans
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) corn, drained
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped

Seasonings:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until richly browned, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
2. Relocate the caramelized beef into the crockpot, then layer sliced smoked sausage alongside.
3. Cascade diced tomatoes, ranch-style beans, sweet corn kernels, rustic potato chunks, and fragrant onion pieces into the cooking vessel.
4. Gently stream beef broth throughout the mixture, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper for robust seasoning.
5. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of spices and proteins.
6. Secure the crockpot lid and allow the stew to simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, monitoring until potato pieces become fork-tender.
7. Delicately stir the aromatic stew before ladling into warm serving bowls, presenting a hearty meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting smoked paprika or adding a dash of cayenne pepper for spice lovers.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content without compromising flavor.
• Transform this into a gluten-free meal by selecting gluten-free beef broth and verifying bean ingredients.
• Prep ingredients night before and store in refrigerator to streamline morning cooking process.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 358 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1230 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg