The Best Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Robust cowboy stew simmers with rustic charm and mouthwatering simplicity.

Flavors dance through tender meat chunks and robust vegetables.

Ranch-style comfort beckons from every spoonful of this classic meal.

Wilderness cooking traditions inspire each carefully crafted ingredient combination.

Hungry souls will appreciate the rich, satisfying blend of protein and seasonal produce.

Memories of open campfires and wide-open landscapes emerge with each delectable bite.

Let this recipe transport you to a world of culinary adventure.

Crockpot Cowboy Stew – Comfort In Every Bite

• Savor Minimal Prep: Simply brown beef, toss everything into the crockpot, and let it cook without constant monitoring, making meal preparation super convenient.
• Embrace Hearty Comfort: Packed with robust ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and beans, this stew delivers satisfying flavors that warm you from the inside out.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Loaded with familiar ingredients kids love, this one-pot wonder ensures everyone at the table enjoys a delicious meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Celebrate Versatile Dining: Perfect for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or cozy weekend meals, this cowboy stew adapts to any mealtime occasion with its straightforward, crowd-pleasing profile.

Cowboy Stew Ingredient Essentials

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of this cowboy stew.

• Potatoes, Onion, Corn: Substantial vegetables that add texture, sweetness, and heartiness to the dish.
• Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base and help create a robust sauce.
• Beans: Add protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the stew.

• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base for the stew.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder: Spices that bring depth, warmth, and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the stew.

Steps For Making Cowboy Stew At Home

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook the ground beef until it turns a rich, golden brown.

Carefully drain away any excess fat, ensuring a lean and flavorful base for your stew.

Step 2: Layer the Crockpot

• Diced potatoes
• Crushed tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Sweet corn kernels
• Chopped onions

Step 3: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 4: Blend and Merge Ingredients

Use a wooden spoon to gently mix and combine all the ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the stew.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours until the potatoes become wonderfully tender and the stew reaches a rich, comforting consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming, hearty cowboy stew into bowls and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

Tricks For Thick And Savory Cowboy Stew

• Remove as much grease as possible when browning ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner, healthier meal.
• Place root vegetables like potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Bloom spices briefly in the skillet after browning beef to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika quantities to match your personal heat preference, making the stew mild or bold.
• Add cooked rice or serve over cornbread to transform remaining stew into a completely new meal the next day.

Cowboy Stew Variations For Every Taste

• Vegetarian Cowboy Stew: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap chili powder for chipotle powder to create a fiery kick that amplifies the stew's boldness.
• Low-Carb Keto Edition: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets and use less corn to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, robust profile of the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and verify broth does not contain wheat-based additives, making the stew safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Cowboy Stew Warm And Hearty

• Rustic Ranch-Style Plate: Serve this hearty stew in large, deep bowls with generous portions that showcase the chunky ingredients and rich flavors.
• Southwestern Comfort Combo: Pair with warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits on the side to soak up the delicious broth and add a complementary texture.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream on top to enhance the stew's flavor profile and add a fresh, creamy element.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for 3-4 days, knowing the flavors will develop and become even more delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Stew Storage Tips You’ll Appreciate

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Pour stew into saucepan, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot and ingredients are evenly heated.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredient labels to ensure no hidden gluten, especially in broth and canned products.

• How can I make this stew spicier?

Add jalapeños, increase the amount of chili powder, or include a dash of hot sauce to boost the heat level according to your preference.

• Can I prepare this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients the night before, store them in the crockpot, and start cooking in the morning for a convenient meal.

Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Rustic Cowboy Stew delivers bold ranch-style comfort straight from Western kitchens, packed with robust beef, savory vegetables, and rich seasonings. Cowboy cooking becomes simple with this one-pot wonder that brings warmth and satisfaction to hungry hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained

Beans and Liquids:

• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained
• 3 cups beef broth

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a hot skillet, caramelize ground beef over medium heat until richly browned, carefully eliminating surplus fat.
2. Transfer the seared meat into the crockpot, creating a robust base for the rustic stew.
3. Layer diced potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, sweet corn kernels, and chopped onions into the crockpot.
4. Infuse the mixture with aromatic seasonings: garlic powder, smoky paprika, zesty chili powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Gently pour beef broth over the ingredients, ensuring every component is thoroughly moistened.
6. Delicately stir the contents, allowing seasonings to meld and distribute evenly throughout the hearty mixture.
7. Set crockpot to low temperature and slow-cook for 6-7 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 3-4 hours until potato chunks become fork-tender.
8. Once cooking is complete, allow stew to rest for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to intensify and settle.
9. Ladle the steaming, rich cowboy stew into deep bowls, serving immediately for maximum flavor and warmth.

Notes

• Ensure beef is thoroughly browned to develop deep, rich flavor profiles before transferring to crockpot.
• Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy texture and maintain a clean, robust taste in the final dish.
• Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein alternative without compromising the stew’s hearty character.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding optional jalapeños for extra kick, catering to different heat preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg