So, I wanted to tell you about this recipe called Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew, because it’s one of those dishes that feels really hearty and comforting without being complicated at all. You basically put everything together in the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day, which makes it super easy when you don’t have much time to stand in the kitchen.
It’s the kind of meal that works best for lunch or dinner, especially on days when you want something filling and warm for the whole family. And since it’s made in the crockpot, it’s ready by the time you sit down to eat, which makes it even more convenient. Now, let’s talk a little more about what Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew actually is.
What is Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew?
Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty slow-cooked dish that brings together beef, sausage, potatoes, beans, corn, and a mix of vegetables in a rich tomato-based broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels filling and satisfying, especially when you want something warm and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.
This stew is often linked with cowboy-style cooking from Texas, where simple ingredients are combined to make a big, flavorful meal. It’s usually served hot straight from the crockpot, and people enjoy it with bread, rice, or even a light salad on the side. It’s a family-style dish that works well for casual dinners or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy to prepare: Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew doesn’t take much effort because you just brown the beef, add everything into the slow cooker, and let it cook while you do other things.
Uses simple ingredients: Most of the items like beans, corn, potatoes, and sausage are things you can easily find in the pantry or fridge, so you don’t have to shop for anything fancy.
Great for busy days: Since the crockpot does the work, you can set it up in the morning and have a warm meal ready by lunch or dinner without standing in the kitchen for hours.
Filling and satisfying: The mix of meat, beans, and vegetables makes it a complete meal that keeps everyone full, so you don’t really need to make a lot of extra sides.
Family-friendly: The flavors are simple and comforting, which means it’s a dish that both kids and adults usually enjoy without complaints.
Easy to adjust: You can make small changes like adding more spice, swapping vegetables, or doubling the recipe if you want to serve a bigger group.
Ingredients Needed:
When you make Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew, you’ll notice that the ingredients are all very simple and they each play a clear role in bringing flavor and texture to the dish.
- Ground beef – gives the stew a rich, meaty base and makes it filling.
- Kielbasa sausage – adds a smoky flavor that blends well with the beef.
- Potatoes – make the stew hearty and give it a comforting texture.
- Pinto beans – add protein and bulk, making the stew more satisfying.
- Corn – brings a little sweetness and balances the savory flavors.
- Diced tomatoes and Rotel – create the tomato-based broth and add depth.
- Mixed vegetables – give variety in taste and color, making the stew complete.
- Beef broth – ties everything together with a savory liquid base.
- Seasonings – like paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, which enhance the overall flavor.
💡 Note: For the full ingredient list with exact amounts and measurements, please check the recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew:
Step 1: Brown the beef and onions
Start by placing the ground beef in a skillet and cook it slowly until it turns a nice brown color. As the beef cooks, you’ll notice the fat melting away, and that’s when you add the diced onions and garlic. Stir everything together until the onions look soft and slightly golden, and the garlic smells fragrant. This step helps build flavor before the ingredients go into the crockpot.
Step 2: Transfer to the crockpot
Once the beef mixture is ready, carefully move it into the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread it out evenly so it forms a base layer. This way, the flavors from the beef and onions mix well with the rest of the ingredients as they cook.
Step 3: Add the sausage and vegetables
Next, slice the kielbasa sausage and add it in along with the potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, Rotel, and frozen mixed vegetables. As you add each ingredient, try to stir lightly so everything is spread out. The potatoes will soften as they cook, the beans will thicken the stew, and the sausage will give that smoky taste.
Step 4: Pour in broth and seasonings
Now, pour the beef broth over the mixture and sprinkle in the seasonings like paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The broth should cover most of the ingredients, and as it cooks, it will turn into a rich tomato-based sauce. The seasonings will slowly blend in, giving the stew a balanced flavor.
Step 5: Slow cook until tender
Cover the crockpot with the lid and let it cook gently. Over time, the vegetables will soften, the potatoes will become tender, and the broth will thicken slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when the stew looks rich and the vegetables are cooked through. The smell will be savory and warm, filling the kitchen with a cozy aroma.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
When the stew is done, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve it hot in bowls, and you can add bread, rice, or salad on the side. The stew should look hearty with chunks of meat and vegetables, and the broth should be flavorful and slightly glossy.
💡 Note: These steps are just an overview. For detailed quantities, measurements, and exact timings to make this recipe, please check the recipe card below.
Helpful Tips For The Best Results:
Brown the meat first: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot helps the stew taste richer and keeps the texture from feeling too soft.
Cut potatoes evenly: Try to dice the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same pace and don’t end up mushy or undercooked.
Control the heat: If you want the flavors to blend better, use the low setting on the crockpot, because cooking slower makes the broth taste deeper.
Swap beans wisely: If you don’t have pinto beans, you can use kidney beans or black beans, and they will still give the stew a hearty feel.
Adjust thickness: If the broth feels too thin, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end to make it thicker without changing the flavor.
Tasty Variations to Try:
- Spicy version: Add extra chili powder or jalapeños if you want more heat in the stew.
- Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or sprinkle Parmesan on top before serving for a creamy flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the beef and sausage, and use more beans and extra vegetables to make it meat-free.
- Seasonal swap: In summer, add fresh zucchini or bell peppers, while in winter, root vegetables like parsnips or turnips work well.
- Different meats: Try ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef and kielbasa if you want a lighter version.
- Smoky flavor: A dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika can give the stew a deeper, campfire-style taste.
Serving Suggestions:
1. Family dinners:
Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew is perfect for a casual family meal because it’s filling and easy to serve straight from the crockpot. Everyone can scoop their own portion, which makes it simple and stress-free.
2. Serve with bread:
This stew pairs well with warm bread like cornbread, garlic bread, or even a crusty baguette, since the bread helps soak up the flavorful broth and makes the meal feel more complete.
3. Add a side salad:
A light green salad with a simple dressing works nicely because it balances the richness of the stew and adds something fresh to the table.
4. Comfort food nights:
Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew is great for cozy evenings when you want something hearty, and it goes well with biscuits or dumplings for extra comfort.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- How long it keeps: Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew usually stays good in the fridge for about three days, and you can also freeze it if you want to keep it longer.
- Best storage method: Place the stew in airtight containers, and if freezing, divide it into smaller portions so it’s easier to thaw later.
- Simple reheating advice: Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick after storing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
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Can I substitute the meat?
Yes, if you don’t want to use beef or sausage, you can swap them for ground turkey or chicken sausage, and the stew will still taste hearty.
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Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef and onion mixture the night before, store it in the fridge, and then add everything to the crockpot the next day.
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Why does the texture sometimes feel too thin?
If the broth looks watery, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end to thicken it up.
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Is Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew gluten-free?
The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, but you should double-check the sausage and broth labels to be sure.
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Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the meat and add extra beans or vegetables to keep it filling.
Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew
Description
Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked dish made with beef, sausage, potatoes, beans, corn, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s simple to prepare, filling enough for family dinners, and perfect for cold weather when you want something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble 1.5 lbs ground beef until browned. Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Add 1 lb sliced kielbasa sausage, 3 large peeled and diced gold potatoes, 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans (rinsed and drained), 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained), 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 (14 oz) can Rotel (undrained), and 1 (10 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables. Stir lightly to combine.
- Pour in 2 cups beef broth and add 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Mix gently so seasonings spread evenly.
- Cover with lid and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, until vegetables are tender and stew looks rich and thick.
- Garnish with 2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley before serving hot in bowls.
Notes
- To thicken, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the crockpot 1 hour before finishing.
- Double the recipe if using a larger crockpot to serve more people or save leftovers.
- Freezes well – store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 bowl (~1.5 cups)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 491kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 1492mg63%
- Potassium 1399mg40%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 11g44%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 36g72%
- Vitamin A 2266 IU
- Vitamin C 48 mg
- Calcium 135 mg
- Iron 11 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet, and your daily needs may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle. Nutrition information is shared only as a general estimate and may not always be fully accurate. If you follow a special diet or have specific health concerns, it’s best to check with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
