Name: Crockpot Cowboy Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491721H49M27S
Cuisine: American
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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The air is thick with the savory aroma of simmering meat and spices, wrapping you in a warm hug as you step into the kitchen. Picture the vibrant colors of carrots, potatoes, and beans mingling together in a hearty stew, each spoonful promising comfort with every bite. This Crockpot Cowboy Stew isn’t just food; it’s like a cozy blanket on a chilly day, inviting you to sit down and savor both the warmth and the delight of a homemade meal.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Cowboy Stew
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot Cowboy Stew

I still remember my grandmother whipping up pots of stew during the early fall months, filling our home with an incredible scent that made it impossible to wait for dinner. This recipe echoes those cherished memories, bringing family and friends together around the table. With its rich flavors and simple preparation in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for a busy weekday or a casual weekend gathering. Let’s turn that nostalgia into something scrumptious—make your own Crockpot Cowboy Stew today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it for a delicious meal to enjoy later.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tender beef, smoky sausage, and zesty spices creates an explosion of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This stew bursts with vibrant colors, making it not only satisfying but visually delightful.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for cozy dinners or potlucks, everyone will want seconds!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets—just swap in the right broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb stew meat: A mix of chuck and round cuts works great for tenderness during slow cooking. You can substitute with ground beef or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option.
1 lb kielbasa sausage (sliced): This adds smoky flavor and richness; turkey sausage is a lighter alternative if desired.
1 medium white or yellow onion (diced): The foundational flavor that brings sweetness to the dish. Opt for a larger onion for more oniony goodness.
2 large carrots (sliced): They provide sweetness and color; feel free to swap in parsnips for a unique twist.
2 stalks celery (diced): Adding crunch and freshness, celery is non-negotiable for that classic stew taste.
1 large russet potato (peeled and diced): This adds heartiness; sweet potatoes can also be used for a slightly different flavor and nutrition boost.
1 cup beef broth: Choose low-sodium to control salt levels, or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire: This adds depth and a hint of umami. For a vegan option, look for plant-based Worcestershire sauce.
1 (16 oz) can pinto beans (rinsed and drained): Fiber and protein-rich beans enhance heartiness. You can easily swap for black beans if that’s what you have on hand.
1 (15.25 oz) can corn (drained): Adds sweetness and a pop of color. Fresh corn can be used if it’s in season.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (do not drain): Offers acidity and moisture—crushed tomatoes can easily replace this if you prefer a smoother texture.
2 tablespoons chili powder: This delivers a warm kick. Adjust according to your heat preference—cayenne pepper can be a spicy alternative.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Enhancing the overall flavor, feel free to use fresh minced garlic for a more intense taste.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds aromatic flavor. Italian seasoning can work as a substitute if needed.
2 tablespoons corn starch: This is used to thicken the stew at the end; you can use flour if that’s what you have.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for flavor balance; don’t skip seasoning!

How to Make Crockpot Cowboy Stew

Combine Ingredients: Start by adding the stew meat, sliced kielbasa, diced onions, sliced carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, pinto beans, drained corn, and undrained diced tomatoes into your 7-quart crockpot. Mixing them together creates a beautiful medley of colors and flavors that sets the foundation for this hearty stew.

Set to Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting for 4 to 6 hours can work too, though low and slow is the way to go for tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.

Make the Slurry: About 10 minutes before you’d like to serve, it’s time to thicken the stew. Whisk together 2 tablespoons of corn starch with the same amount of cold water in a small bowl until it’s smooth. Carefully pour this slurry into the crockpot and stir well until everything is combined.

Continue Cooking: Cover the crockpot again and let it cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes on high. You’ll know it’s ready when the stew has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded beautifully. It’s a good idea to keep checking on it and giving it a stir to ensure it thickens evenly.

Season and Serve: After the cooking time is up, taste the stew and season it with salt and pepper according to your liking. Ladle it into bowls. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone gathering eagerly at the table.

Storing & Reheating

This Crockpot Cowboy Stew is easy to store! Let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for a maximum of 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, just reheat in the microwave or stovetop over low heat—just watch out for the texture; it might get a bit thick, so adding a splash of broth could refresh its consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always brown your stew meat first in a skillet for extra flavor, but it’s not essential if you’re in a rush.
If you’re gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is safe; many brands are made without gluten.
Cutting veggies into uniform sizes ensures they cook evenly—no one likes crunchy carrots hiding in a tender stew!
Want more protein? Add a can of beans or some extra sausage.
If you have leftovers, this stew makes a fantastic filling for burritos or over rice!

The flavor of Crockpot Cowboy Stew is something that warms not just your belly but also your soul. It’s a dish that you can play around with, finding the perfect balance of flavors and ingredients that suit your family’s taste. I hope you take this recipe and make it your own, bringing friends and family together for hearty meals.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of meat in this stew?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses stew meat and kielbasa sausage for a robust flavor, you can also use ground beef, turkey, or even venison if that’s your thing. Just remember that different meats might need different cooking times to become tender.

How can I make this stew spicier?

If you want to kick up the heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or additional chili powder. Alternatively, a dash of hot sauce just before serving can provide that zesty flair!

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

For a delicious vegetarian twist, simply omit the meat and kielbasa, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add lentils for protein and extra fiber, which will complement the other ingredients beautifully.

What if I want to add more vegetables?

Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans all work great. Just ensure that you cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly during the slow cooking process.