Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew is a delicious and filling dish that warms you up on chilly nights. This stew is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. With its easy preparation and slow-cooked goodness, you’ll find it quickly becomes a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work.
Hearty Ingredients: Packed with beef, beans, potatoes, and veggies for a nutritious meal.
Versatile Meal: Great for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to game day feasts.
Family-Friendly Flavor: A blend of spices and savory ingredients that appeals to all ages.
Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the stew as leftovers; it tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew requires just a few essential kitchen tools. Knowing what you need can make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This is where all the magic happens! It allows for slow cooking, which enhances flavors beautifully.
Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat before adding it to the slow cooker, ensuring rich flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for cold weather or a casual family dinner.

Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs ground beef
– 1 lb package kielbasa sausage (sliced)
– 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
– 2 garlic cloves (minced)
– 3 large gold potatoes (peeled and diced)
– 30 oz cans pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
– 15 oz can whole kernel corn (drained)
– 15 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
– 14 oz can Rotel (undrained)
– 10 oz bag frozen mixed vegetables (green beans, carrots, peas, and corn)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Add the onions and minced garlic, cooking for another two minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the beef and onion mixture to the bottom of a slow cooker. Then include all remaining ingredients.

Step 3: Cook Thoroughly

Cover with the lid. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours until all vegetables are soft and cooked through.

Step 4: Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew!

How to Serve Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew

Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew is a filling dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just having a cozy family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Green Onions: Add sliced green onions to bring a mild onion flavor and extra crunch.

Pair with Bread

Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the stew.
Cornbread: A sweet cornbread complements the hearty flavors of the stew nicely.

Add Cheese

Shredded Cheddar: Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Feta Crumbles: For a tangy twist, sprinkle feta cheese over the stew before serving.

Serve Over Rice

Steamed Rice: Spoon the stew over steamed rice to soak up all the delicious juices.
Quinoa: A healthy alternative, quinoa adds protein and nuttiness to your meal.

How to Perfect Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew

To make your Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew even better, consider these helpful tips.

Bold Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for more vibrant flavors. Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth can make a big difference.
Layer Flavors: Brown the beef and onions together before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances the overall taste.
Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.
Customize Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding chili powder or cayenne can spice things up!
Make Ahead: Prepare the stew a day in advance. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully overnight in the refrigerator.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth; simply spread butter and minced garlic on slices before baking until golden.
Coleslaw: A refreshing contrast, coleslaw adds crunch and balance to the hearty stew.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts add extra nutrition and flavor.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for this robust stew, enhancing its comfort factor.
Side Salad: A light garden salad dressed with vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites of rich stew.
Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes alongside; their fluffy interior pairs well with the thick stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew, avoiding common pitfalls can ensure a delicious outcome.

Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and quality meats. Poor ingredients lead to bland flavors, so select high-quality items for the best taste.
Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking on high for too long can make vegetables mushy. Monitor cooking times closely, especially when using the high setting.
Not Seasoning Properly: Under-seasoned stew can be dull. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving to enhance the flavor profile.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Each slow cooker is different; follow your specific model’s guidelines. Adjust cooking times based on your appliance for perfect results.
Skipping the Browning Step: Brown meat before adding it to the crockpot for deeper flavors. This step adds richness that enhances the overall dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer stew to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew.

How long does Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew take to cook?

Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew takes about 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, depending on your slow cooker settings.

Can I use other meats in Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew?

Yes! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor while keeping with the hearty nature of this stew.

Is Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew healthy?

This recipe is packed with protein and fiber from beans and vegetables, making it a nutritious option for dinner.

Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Customize your stew by adding your favorite veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

What can I serve with Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew?

Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty dish that’s not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or swapping out meats according to your preference. Give this easy recipe a try, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready without much hassle!

Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew

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Crockpot Texas Cowboy Stew is a robust and comforting dish that brings warmth to chilly evenings, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This hearty stew boasts a delightful blend of beef, beans, potatoes, and vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection to develop rich flavors. With minimal preparation and the magic of the slow cooker, this dish will quickly become a staple in your home. Enjoy it as leftovers too; the flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day!

Author: Shauna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Category: Main
Method: Slow cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
3 large gold potatoes (peeled and diced)
30 oz cans pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
15 oz can whole kernel corn (drained)
15 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Add diced onions and minced garlic; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients including potatoes and beans.
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours until vegetables are tender.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.