Go Back
–+ servings
image of realistic top down mise en place shot showing the fresh ingredients arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight showing ground beef smoked sausage bacon potatoes beans diced tomatoes onion garlic mixed vegetables beef broth green chiles and spices
katya bou

Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew

This hearty, one-pot cowboy stew simmers slowly in a crockpot, blending ground beef, smoked sausage, beans, and potatoes into a comforting, flavor-packed meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

The Meats
  • 1 pound ground beef sliced thick for smoky flavor
  • 4 slices smoked sausage chopped, optional for extra depth
The Vegetables
  • 1 . large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, or 1 tsp jarred
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained, or RO-TEL style for a little kick
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn for sweetness and color
  • 3 medium potatoes Yukon Gold or russet, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
The Seasoning & Sauces
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix for complex flavor base
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika enhances smoky flavor
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt to taste
  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup condensed tomato soup or tomato sauce plus a little sugar for balance

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large skillet,
  • cutting board,
  • Knife

Method
 

Prep the Meat (Optional but Recommended)
  1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside. Drain off some grease, leaving about 1 tbsp. Brown the ground beef in the bacon fat until no pink remains. Toss in the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Load the Crockpot
  1. Add the browned ground beef mixture, sliced smoked sausage, and diced potatoes to the slow cooker insert.
Add Liquids and Seasoning
  1. Pour in the beef broth, the diced tomatoes, tomato soup, and the seasoning blend (ranch mix, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper). Stir gently to combine everything.
Cook Low and Slow
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
The Final Touches
  1. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the drained and rinsed pinto and black beans, along with the frozen corn. If you like it thicker, you can mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot.
Serve
  1. Ladle the hot stew into bowls, top with the crumbled bacon, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20g

Notes

This stew is perfect for meal prep and freezes well for up to 3 months. Adjust spices for heat level, and consider adding frozen mixed vegetables during the last hour for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve with cornbread, cheese, and sour cream for extra comfort.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
QR Code linking back to recipe