Crockpot Cowboy Stew is a satisfying, stick‑to‑your‑ribs kind of meal that practically cooks itself. It’s loaded with hearty chunks of tender beef, smoky sausage, potatoes, beans, and corn in a savory broth all slow‑cooked to perfection.
Ellen’s Notes
This recipe is one of my go‑tos on chilly nights or when I need something hearty for the family. It’s unfussy, comforting and fills every bowl with warm, smoky goodness. Served with a little crusty bread or cornbread (my favorite!) on the side, no none is leaving the table hungry!
I love that this Crockpot Cowboy Stew doesn’t require tons of fancy ingredients, just good basics and that slow‑cooker magic. Toss everything into the pot in the morning and it’s ready just in time for dinner. Plus the leftovers are just as good reheated.
Key Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Stew Meat: If chuck roast is on sale, you can use it instead! Just make sure to cut it up into 1 to 2 inch bite size pieces. (Check variations section below for ground beef options.)
- Kielbasa Sausage: Kielbasa adds a smoky, savory flavor and holds its texture well during slow cooking. However, any smoked sausage works great here! Try andouille, beef sausage, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Carrots: I like to cut my own whole carrots into bite size pieces as I find them to be much more flavorful than baby carrots. But if you’re short on time, baby carrots will work!
- Potatoes: I used a Russet potato as they hold their shape well after cooking all day in the crockpot. Yukon gold or red potatoes also work well, just avoid waxy varieties like fingerlings.
- Pinto Beans: Classic for a Texas cowboy stew, but black beans, kidney beans, or ranch-style beans can all be used instead.
- Corn: Canned, fresh, or frozen – they will all work! Use whichever you have on hand.
- Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes are essential for the stew base and help create the saucy consistency. Fire-roasted tomatoes or diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel) can be used for extra flavor.
Tips For Making Crockpot Cowboy Stew
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full instructions.
Should you brown the stew meat first? I’ve tested this recipe both ways and did not find it worth the extra effort. My husband couldn’t tell the difference! If you prefer to brown the stew meat first, sear it on all sides in a hot skillet. Then add it to the crockpot and continue with the recipe as written.
Save time and prep all your ingredients the night before. Chop the onions, celery, carrots and potatoes, slice your sausage, and store everything in a container in the fridge so all you have to do is dump it in the Crockpot the next day.
Go with the low and slow cook time. Stew meat can be a tougher/chewier meat if not properly cooked. Slowly simmering it for hours over low-heat will break it down and make it fork tender.
To thicken or not to thicken? Once it’s finished cooking, check the stew and see if you’d like the broth thicker or not – it’s really a personal choice! If you do, adding a little cornstarch will thicken it right up!
It’s hearty enough to serve on its own… but flexible enough to go with whatever you’ve got on hand. Cornbread, crusty bread, crackers, or even rice on the side can help stretch the meal further for larger families.
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Variations To Try
One of the best things about this Crockpot Cowboy Stew is how forgiving it is. This is definitely a “use-what-you-have” kind of recipe. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Don’t have stew meat? Swap it for ground beef or ground turkey – just make sure to brown the ground meat first and drain any excess fat before adding it to the crockpot. You could even stir in some leftover shredded pot roast about an hour before serving.
You can also toss in some chopped bell peppers or green beans if you’re trying to sneak in more veggies. While there’s already some smoky flavor from the smoked sausage, pump it up with smoked paprika or a few dashes of liquid smoke.
And if your family likes a little heat, a pinch of cayenne or some hot sauce stirred in before serving does the trick without overpowering the stew. Or try adding in a can of green chiles or swapping in some Rotel tomatoes for a southwestern style flavor.
How To Store Leftovers
This stew is great for leftovers or meal prep. It reheats great and possibly tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had even more time to meld together!
Cool the stew and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth (or water) if it has thickened too much.
Crockpot Cowboy Stew
Ingredients
- 1 lb stew meat
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
- 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15.25 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, do not drain
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- salt and pepper, to taste
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Instructions
- Using a 7-quart crockpot or larger, add all the ingredients listed, except the flour, into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 6 hours, until the beef is tender. I highly recommend using the low setting with the longer cook time, it makes the beef much more tender.
- Optional: If you would like to thicken the stew, ten minutes before serving make the slurry. Mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with 2 tablespoons cold water, pour into the crockpot and stir until blended. Cover and cook for 5 to 10 minutes more, until thickened.
- Season stew with salt and pepper, to taste, then serve and enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition
More Hearty Beef Recipes To Try
- Beef Stew: The perfect bowl of classic comfort food.
- Beef Tips And Gravy: So tender that they almost fall apart.
- Instant Pot Pot Roast: One-pot comfort food dinner.
- Beef Barley Soup: Easy, hearty and oh-so-flavorful.
- Crockpot Steak and Potatoes: In a rich and savory brown gravy.
- Instant Pot Beef Stew: Ready in a fraction of the time!
