Slow Cooker Cowboy Stew

Cozy up with a warm bowl of Cowboy Stew, a thick, heart-soothing meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, savory kielbasa, tender potatoes, beans, and sweet corn simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner for crisp autumn evenings.

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• Slow Cooker Cowboy Stew

When September rolls in and the weather starts to cool down, this is the exact meal I find myself turning to week after week.

After a long, demanding day out, there is nothing better than walking back into a home that already smells incredible. Perfect Fall Weeknight Dinner....!!!

The beauty of this stew is how effortlessly it fits into a busy schedule—it takes hardly 15 minutes to prep everything in the morning.

I just brown the meat, toss all the ingredients straight into the crockpot, set it, and go about my day. By the time dinner comes around, a comforting, hot meal is waiting. Paired with a piece of warm, crusty bread to soak up the broth, it’s about as easy and satisfying as weeknight dinners get.

What It Tastes Like

• Savory & Smoky: Ground beef and sliced kielbasa form a rich, deeply savory base infused with subtle smoky undertones.
• Hearty & Balanced: Tender potatoes and creamy beans make every bite filling, while sweet corn adds a slight, refreshing crunch.
• Warmly Seasoned: A comforting blend of chili powder and smoked paprika brings a touch of mild warmth and depth to the rich tomato broth.

For Fall Dinners, I love cosy and comforting dinners like these. From cosy soups to this Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Apples And Butternut Squash which is an easy sheet pan dinner to this Roasted Butternut Squash with Kielbasa and Apples or this Easy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes) or this Honey Butter Skillet Corn (4-ingredients) or this absolutely delicious and comforting Pumpkin Risotto Recipe with canned Pumpkin or this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup with Ground Beef and Butternut Squash | Lasagna Love at its best are my favorites for fall.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 13 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef with Onion, Garlic and Ground Spices

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and smoked paprika, tossing everything together until completely combined and fragrant.
4. Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into a greased crockpot.

Step 2: Slow Cook & Serve

1. To the crockpot, add the sliced kielbasa, diced potatoes, beans, and corn.
2. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth.
3. Stir all the ingredients together until well blended.
4. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Ladle into deep bowls and serve hot with a side of warm, crusty bread.

Make Ahead Instructions

• Prep the Ingredients: Dice the onions, garlic, and potatoes, and slice the kielbasa up to 24 hours in advance. Store the potatoes submerged in water in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent browning.
• Pre-cook the Meat: Brown the ground beef with the onions, garlic, and spices as directed, then let it cool completely. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator overnight so it’s ready to dump straight into the slow cooker in the morning.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Allow leftover stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or heat over medium-low on the stovetop until hot throughout, adding a splash of broth if needed.

This slow cooker cowboy stew is the ultimate effortless solution for busy weeknights, delivering rich, soul-warming comfort with minimal hands-on time. Loaded with savory meats, tender potatoes, and vibrant veggies, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself reaching for all season long. Put it on repeat, grab a slice of crusty bread, and enjoy a hassle-free dinner!