Slow Cooker Texas Cowboy Stew

📝Shopping list

To make this easy crock pot recipe you will need these simple ingredients:

• ground meat  ground turkey or EXTRA LEAN ground beef
• kielbasa sausage I use turkey, but any kielbasa is great- cut into ½" coins
• baby potatoes 
• diced tomatoes  
• pinto beans
• black beans 
• sweet corn 
• creamed corn 
• onion 
• peas 
• broth chicken, turkey, or beef broth
• garlic 
• chili powder
• ground cumin
• paprika
• salt and black pepper

🔪Instructions

This hearty meal involves just a few simple steps:

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it with a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check your slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner with this easy recipe.   

Cooking

• 🤠 Place ground meat into a greased slow cooker and use a spatula to break it up a bit
• 🤠 Add in all remaining ingredients and stir to make sure everything is well combined
• 🤠 Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
• 🤠 Add additional salt and pepper to taste just prior to serving, if needed

🍽Serving suggestions

This stew is truly a one-pot meal.  But we love it with:

• cornbread casserole
• rice
• roasted mixed vegetables
• quinoa
• a crisp garden salad

This crockpot cowboy stew is great served with a dollop of sour cream.  A dash of hot sauce, and/or a sprinkling of shredded cheese are also great garnishes.

🔁Substitution ideas

This delicious meal is easily customizable.  Here are some ways: 

• For different flavor profiles, vary the types of meat.  Lean ground beef, ground chicken, and ground turkey are all great choices
• For a spicier stew, add diced green chilies, chopped jalapeno peppers, or extra chili powder
• Swap baby potatoes, with russet potatoes, yukon golds, or even sweet potatoes. Cut into bite-sized pieces before adding to your slow-cooker cowboy stew. 
• Looking for a vegetarian option?  Try Caviar Cowboy Soup.  
• Switch the recommended beans with your favorite canned beans for different textures.  
• Looking for more veggies?  You can add any hearty veggies you like such as green beans, carrots, or celery to this perfect comfort food.  Frozen vegetable work well too!

Storing

• Store leftover stew in an airtight container or zip top bag.  It will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.  
• Frozen leftovers should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator prior to gently reheating.  
• Store leftovers in meal-sized portions for easy, next day reheat-and-eat. 

😉Hints & hacks

1. If you are a fan of stew, you will also love these hearty stew dinner ideas:  Guinness stew, Mississippi stew, and Spanish beef stew
2. If you are averse to cutting onions, chopped onion is generally available in the frozen vegetable section of the grocery store. Frozen onions work very well in slow cooker recipes!
3. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
4. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
5. Always double check to make sure your slow cooker is on and plugged in!!! There is nothing worse than coming home to a slow cooker that was never properly turned on! 🫤