Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe: Rustic Comfort in Every Bite

Beef and vegetables simmer together in this delectable cowboy stew crockpot recipe that brings rustic comfort to your dinner table.

Packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients, this stew captures the essence of home-cooked meals.

Ranch hands and cowboys would appreciate the rich, filling nature of this dish.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect blend of tender meat and colorful vegetables.

The slow cooking process allows every ingredient to meld into a delicious, satisfying meal.

Warm, inviting aromas will fill your kitchen as this stew bubbles away.

Gather around the table and savor this classic, comforting recipe that promises to delight every hungry soul.

Cowboy Stew Variations Worth Trying

• Vegetarian Southwest Stew: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Lean Protein Edition: Use lean ground turkey or chicken as meat alternative, ensure all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free, and verify broth ingredients.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower chunks, reduce bean quantity, increase meat proportion, and add extra high-fat ingredients like butter or cream.

Serving Up Hearty Cowboy Stew

• Rustic Ranch-Style Plate Pairings: Serve this stew with warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Comfort Food Companions: Add a side of creamy coleslaw or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, hearty flavors of the stew.
• Topping Touchdown: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, fresh chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flavor and texture.
• Protein Power-Up: Garnish with crispy bacon bits or serve alongside crusty garlic bread to make the meal even more satisfying and filling.

Storing Cowboy Stew for Next Day

• Transfer cooled stew to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack the stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, keeping the texture and taste intact.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Is this stew good for meal prep?

Yes, this Cowboy Stew is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats easily, making it great for busy weekdays.

• Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Absolutely! You can prepare this stew in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer the ingredients on low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• What proteins work best if I want to substitute ground beef?

Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced beef chunks are excellent alternatives. Each will provide a slightly different flavor but maintain the stew’s hearty character.

Hearty Cowboy Stew Comfort Factors

• Simplify Meal Preparation: Toss ingredients into the crockpot with minimal prep, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you go about your day.
• Pack Nutritious Punch: Loaded with protein from ground beef, fiber-rich beans, and colorful vegetables, this stew delivers a wholesome one-pot meal that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs.
• Create Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, hearty, and filling, this cowboy stew wraps you in delicious comfort perfect for chilly days or when you crave a soul-warming meal that feels like a big culinary hug.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this classic stew that's easy to customize with optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream, making mealtime a breeze.

Cowboy Stew Ingredient Essentials

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful meat that provides the protein base for this hearty stew.

• Potatoes, Onion, Carrots: A classic vegetable trio that adds depth, texture, and nutritional value to the stew.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides a tangy base and helps create a robust sauce for the stew.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.

• Kidney Beans: Contributes additional protein and a creamy texture to the stew.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base that helps tenderize the meat and vegetables.

• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Black Pepper, Salt: A blend of spices that enhances the overall flavor profile of the cowboy stew.

Crockpot Cowboy Stew Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, letting it develop a rich golden color.

Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep the stew lean and delicious.

Step 2: Load the Crockpot

• Ground beef
• Diced potatoes
• Chopped onions
• Sliced carrots
• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Corn kernels

Step 3: Pour and Spice

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt

Step 4: Mix and Mingle

Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with seasoning.

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 vegetables become tender and flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming cowboy stew into bowls.

The hearty aroma will invite everyone to the table for a comforting meal that screams home cooking.

Best Tips for Crockpot Cowboy Stew

• Choose ground beef with lower fat content to reduce grease and create a healthier stew without compromising flavor.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutrient density and create more vibrant color in the dish.
• Cut potatoes into uniform, medium-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and maintain a perfect texture throughout the stew.
• Toast spices like smoked paprika in a dry pan before adding to the crockpot to intensify their aromatic qualities and develop richer taste profiles.
• If stew appears too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water during cooking to maintain desired sauciness and prevent burning.

Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cowboy stew brings rustic ranch flavors straight from the American Southwest, packed with tender beef, robust vegetables, and rich spices. Simmered slowly in a crockpot, this comforting meal delivers warmth and satisfaction that will transport you to wide-open prairie landscapes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced

Canned and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly sear ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until rich brown color develops, meticulously draining accumulated fat.
2. Transfer beef into large crockpot, creating foundational layer for stew’s robust flavor profile.
3. Layer chopped potatoes, diced onions, sliced carrots, kidney beans, and corn atop browned meat, ensuring even distribution.
4. Cascade diced tomatoes across vegetable mixture, creating vibrant color and acidic undertone.
5. Gently pour beef broth, ensuring liquid cascades evenly throughout ingredients.
6. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt, delicately seasoning each ingredient.
7. Use wooden spoon to integrate seasonings and ingredients, promoting harmonious flavor blending.
8. Secure crockpot lid, allowing stew to simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours.
9. Verify vegetable tenderness by piercing with fork; vegetables should yield easily without excessive resistance.
10. Ladle steaming stew into deep ceramic bowls, capturing medley of hearty ingredients and rich, developed flavors.

Notes

• Customize meat options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
• Boost vegetable nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for increased fiber and vitamins.
• Enhance flavor complexity by using fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder and adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
• Reduce sodium content by choosing low-sodium beef broth and rinsing canned beans thoroughly before adding to the crockpot.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg