Looking for a comforting, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing meal? This cowboy stew recipe delivers big flavors with rustic charm—all in one pot. Packed with smoky sausage, tender ground beef, potatoes, beans, and sweet corn, it’s the perfect blend of bold and hearty.
Born from the chuckwagon kitchens of the American frontier, cowboy stew has come a long way—but it remains as satisfying and versatile as ever. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this cowboy stew recipe promises flavor, simplicity, and soul-warming satisfaction.
What Is Cowboy Stew?
Cowboy stew is a rich, meaty dish traditionally made with ground beef, smoked sausage, and vegetables simmered in a tomato-based broth. Unlike chili, this cowboy stew recipe uses chunkier veggies and a smokier profile. Think of it as chili’s heartier cousin, ideal for brisk evenings or busy weeknights.
The secret lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are pantry staples, the steps are easy, and the result is pure comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients for Cowboy Stew Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this bold and delicious cowboy classic:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | 80/20 blend works best for flavor |
| Smoked sausage | 12 oz, sliced | Kielbasa, andouille, or beef sausage |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced | Sweetens the base |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced | Adds depth and aroma |
| Russet potatoes | 3 medium, cubed | Starchy texture that holds up well |
| Diced tomatoes | 2 cans (14.5 oz) | Fire-roasted for added flavor |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) | Creates a rich, thick base |
| Kidney beans | 1 can, drained | Can sub with black or pinto beans |
| Whole kernel corn | 1 can, drained | Adds sweetness and texture |
| Beef broth | 2 cups | Low sodium preferred |
| Smoked paprika | 2 tsp | Smoky flavor is key to cowboy stew |
| Cumin | 1 tsp | Earthy spice to warm it up |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp | Optional for a spicy kick |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Season gradually |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For browning the meat and aromatics |
🌟 Pro Tip: Want even more flavor? Brown the sausage until slightly crisp and use fire-roasted tomatoes.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe Step-by-Step
Step 1: Brown the Meats
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat olive oil. Cook the sliced sausage until browned. Remove and set aside. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until soft and fragrant—about 3–4 minutes. This step is key to building the stew’s signature depth.
Step 3: Add Base Ingredients
Return sausage to the pot. Add potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Finish with Beans and Corn
Stir in drained beans and corn. Simmer uncovered for 5–7 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the stew rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with crusty bread, cornbread, or over rice.
Looking for more one-pot meals? Don’t miss this Ground Beef Crockpot Recipe—perfect for batch cooking and packed with flavor.
💡 Love one-pot wonders? Try our ground beef crockpot recipes for even more hearty meals you can set and forget.
Customizing Your Cowboy Stew
This cowboy stew recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful. Here are some great ways to make it your own:
Protein Options:
- Ground turkey or chicken
- Plant-based meat substitutes
- Leftover brisket or ham
Vegetable Ideas:
- Carrots, celery, green beans
- Sweet potatoes or squash
- Spinach or kale (add at the end)
Flavor Boosters:
- Worcestershire sauce or vinegar
- Splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes
- A pinch of brown sugar for balance
Leftovers and Storage
Cowboy stew gets even better the next day! Here’s how to store it:
- Fridge: Up to 4 days in airtight containers
- Freezer: Up to 3 months in portioned bags
- Reheat: Gently on the stove or microwave; add broth if too thick
🍽️ Looking for another quick ground beef dinner? Check out our savory ground beef and broccoli stir-fry—it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Use leftover stew as a topping for baked potatoes or stir it into mac and cheese for an epic comfort mashup.
FAQs About Cowboy Stew Recipe
Is cowboy stew spicy?
Only if you want it to be! You control the heat with chili powder or spicy sausage.
Can I make cowboy stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown meats first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4.
What sides go with cowboy stew?
Cornbread, biscuits, rice, or a crisp green salad are perfect pairings.
Can I double this cowboy stew recipe?
Absolutely. It’s perfect for batch cooking or feeding a crowd.
Cowboy Stew Recipe: A Hearty One-Pot Classic for Every Season
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This cowboy stew recipe is rustic comfort food at its finest—smoky sausage, tender beef, potatoes, beans, and corn all come together in one pot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or prepping meals for the week, it’s satisfying, simple, and full of bold flavor.
Ingredients
🥩 For the Stew
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
12 oz smoked sausage (Kielbasa, andouille, or beef), sliced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can kidney beans, drained (can sub black or pinto beans)
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil. Add sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
Return the sausage to the pot. Add cubed potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Stir in drained beans and corn. Simmer uncovered for another 5–7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or over rice.
Notes
- Boost flavor by browning sausage until crisp and using fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Add veggies like carrots, celery, or sweet potatoes.
- Worcestershire, vinegar, or a splash of hot sauce add dimension.
- Leftovers improve with time—flavor deepens overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
Final Thoughts
This cowboy stew recipe is rustic comfort food at its finest. With smoky meats, hearty potatoes, and bold spices, it’s a dish that warms both the belly and the soul. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or freezing for later, cowboy stew is a guaranteed hit.
Try it once—and watch it earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation.
