If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Cowboy Stew Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Packed with savory ground beef, smoky sausage, colorful vegetables, and just the right amount of spice, it brings together a symphony of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and soul-soothing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this stew is easy to make and delivers a taste that’s downright unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need is a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create a rich, robust stew bursting with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role—from the protein-packed beef and sausage to the fresh veggies and bold spices that give the dish its signature cowboy charm.
- 1 lb. ground beef (lean): Provides a hearty, meaty base without too much fat.
- 1 16 oz. package smoked sausage (sliced into bite-size pieces): Adds a smoky depth and satisfying chew.
- 2 garlic cloves (chopped): Brings a fragrant punch that livens up every bite.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Offers sweetness and a subtle bite to balance the stew.
- 1 lb. baby potatoes (halved): They soak up flavors and add a tender, creamy texture.
- 1 15 oz. can pinto beans (undrained): Boosts the heartiness and earthy undertones.
- 1 15 oz. can corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles: Introduces brightness and a mild kick.
- 1 10-12 oz. package mixed vegetables (frozen): Keeps things colorful and nutritious.
- 4 cups chicken stock: The flavorful liquid that melds everything together.
- 2 tsp cumin (ground): Infuses a warm, earthy spice typical for cowboy-style dishes.
- 2 tsp chili powder: Adds smoky heat that ties all flavors in harmony.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a medium skillet over medium heat and cook the lean ground beef until it’s fully browned. This step locks in all those rich, beefy flavors. Once browned, be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the stew from becoming greasy—it should shine with robust taste, not heaviness.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Next, gather all the stew components in your slow cooker. Add the browned beef, sliced smoked sausage, chopped garlic, onion, halved baby potatoes, pinto beans (undrained for extra creaminess), corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, frozen mixed vegetables, chicken stock, cumin, and chili powder. This is where the magic begins as these ingredients start mingling and deepening their flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let the stew do its thing. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours—that way the potatoes become tender, the spices meld, and every element becomes perfectly tender and flavorful. Lighting up your kitchen with the aroma alone makes the wait totally worth it.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cooking time is up, give the stew a gentle stir to mix everything up. Then ladle it into bowls and get ready to dig into a warm, comforting meal. This step couldn’t be easier, and the payoff is a bowl of pure cowboy-inspired joy.
How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a fantastic way to elevate your Cowboy Stew Recipe. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a bright, fresh contrast. A dollop of sour cream or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese adds creaminess and richness. Don’t forget a few crunchy tortilla strips or corn chips on top for an irresistible texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This stew is a complete meal on its own but pairing it with some crusty bread or warm cornbread makes it even more satisfying. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette also works beautifully—it cuts through the hearty richness and adds a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, serve the Cowboy Stew Recipe in bread bowls, hollowed-out and ready to soak up every last drop. Another idea is layering the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice for a comforting twist. Setting up a chili bar with all the garnishes and sides lets everyone customize their bowl to their heart’s content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cowboy Stew Recipe leftover (which is always a good problem to have), store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, and often, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This stew freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy nights. Simply transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat Cowboy Stew Recipe, gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick after sitting, add a splash of chicken stock or water to bring it back to your desired consistency. You can also microwave individual servings, but make sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even diced chuck roast can work well in this Cowboy Stew Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time if using larger pieces of meat.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No problem! You can make this on the stovetop in a large pot. Brown the meat first, then add all the other ingredients, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Can I make this Cowboy Stew Recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add some chopped jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it more heat. Adjust to your taste for the perfect level of kick.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your chicken stock and smoked sausage don’t contain any gluten additives. Always check ingredient labels if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still have enough broth to be soupy and hearty. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit to reduce; if too thick, add a splash more chicken stock or water.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Cowboy Stew Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like an instant classic. The balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors combined with hearty vegetables makes it perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy family dinner or a weekend potluck. Once you taste it, I’m sure it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
Print
Cowboy Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Southwest
Description
Cowboy Stew is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked dish packed with ground beef, smoked sausage, baby potatoes, beans, corn, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a seasoned chicken stock. Perfect for a comforting meal that feeds a crowd with easy preparation and rich southwestern-inspired spices.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 lb. ground beef (lean)
- 1 16 oz. package smoked sausage (sliced into bite-size pieces)
Vegetables & Beans
- 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 lb. baby potatoes (halved)
- 1 15 oz. can pinto beans (undrained)
- 1 15 oz. can corn
- 1 14.5 oz. can tomatoes with green chiles (diced)
- 1 10-12 oz. package mixed vegetables (frozen)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a medium skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat thoroughly to keep the stew from being greasy.
- Add ingredients to slow cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef to your slow cooker. Add the sliced smoked sausage, chopped garlic, chopped onion, halved baby potatoes, undrained pinto beans, canned corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, frozen mixed vegetables, chicken stock, ground cumin, and chili powder.
- Cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the stew on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. Cook until the potatoes are tender and all flavors have melded together beautifully.
- Serve: Once cooked, stir the stew gently and ladle into bowls. Serve hot as a filling and satisfying one-pot meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder according to your taste.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you may simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a slightly different flavor profile.
- This stew freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- For extra freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.
