Absolutely. Cowboy Stew is a strong U.S. comfort-food recipe because it naturally fits ground beef dinners, smoked sausage recipes, one-pot meals, Western-style comfort food, fall soups and stews, budget-friendly family meals, and game-day cooking.
For this version, I’d make it with ground beef, smoked sausage, potatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, tomatoes with green chiles, onion, garlic, beef broth, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cumin for a thick, hearty stew similar to the one in your reference image.
Cowboy Stew
SEO Title: Cowboy Stew – Hearty Ground Beef & Sausage Dinner
Meta Description: This hearty Cowboy Stew combines ground beef, smoked sausage, potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, and bold seasonings in one easy comforting pot.
Suggested URL:
/cowboy-stew/
Primary Keyword: Cowboy Stew
Secondary Keywords: cowboy stew recipe, ground beef sausage stew, Texas cowboy stew, hearty ground beef soup, smoked sausage stew, cowboy soup, one pot beef dinner, easy family stew
Cowboy Stew
When you need a dinner that is hearty enough for a hungry family but easy enough to make in one pot, Cowboy Stew delivers.
This rustic stew combines browned ground beef and smoky sausage with tender potatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
Everything simmers together in a seasoned tomato-beef broth until the potatoes are soft and the flavors have blended into a thick, savory stew.
It falls somewhere between:
- Beef stew
- Chili
- Sausage soup
- Cowboy beans
and that combination is exactly what makes it so satisfying.
Serve it with cornbread or biscuits and you have a complete cold-weather dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Stew
One-pot recipe. Most of the cooking happens in a single Dutch oven or soup pot.
Loaded with protein. Ground beef, smoked sausage, and beans make it especially filling.
Budget-friendly. Potatoes, beans, and corn stretch the meat across several servings.
Perfect for leftovers. The flavors become even better after sitting overnight.
Family-friendly. You can keep it mild or make it spicy.
Easy to customize. Add bacon, jalapeños, extra beans, vegetables, or cheese.
Great for fall and winter. It’s thick, warm, and comforting.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 12–14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ pounds potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 cup corn
Beans
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes, about 14½ ounces
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, about 10 ounces
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Broth
- 2½–3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne, optional
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Shredded cheddar
- Green onions
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
Best Ground Beef for Cowboy Stew
For this recipe, 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef works especially well.
You want enough fat for rich flavor without leaving the finished stew greasy.
If you use a fattier blend, simply drain most of the excess grease before adding the remaining ingredients.
Best Sausage for Cowboy Stew
Smoked Sausage
A classic choice because it brings plenty of smoky flavor.
Andouille-Style Sausage
Great if you want a little Cajun-style heat.
Kielbasa
A milder option that works very well for family dinners.
Turkey or Chicken Smoked Sausage
Useful if you want a slightly lighter version.
Cut the sausage into thick rounds so it keeps its texture while simmering.
Best Potatoes
Yukon Gold
My favorite choice because they become creamy while still holding their shape.
Red Potatoes
Excellent for stew because they stay firm.
Russet Potatoes
They work too, but they break down more easily and can naturally thicken the stew.
Cut the potatoes into roughly:
1-inch to 1½-inch chunks
so they cook evenly.
How to Make Cowboy Stew
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced smoked sausage.
Cook for approximately:
3–4 minutes
until lightly browned.
Remove to a plate.
Browning the sausage first gives it more flavor than simply simmering it in the broth.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add ground beef to the same pot.
Cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
Add diced onion during the final few minutes.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic.
Cook for approximately:
30 seconds
until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings
Add:
- Tomato paste
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Optional cayenne
Cook for about:
1 minute.
Heating the spices briefly helps deepen their flavor.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes
Stir in:
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomatoes with green chiles
Do not drain unless the stew already contains plenty of liquid.
Step 6: Add Potatoes
Add the potato chunks.
Stir to coat them in the seasoned tomato mixture.
Step 7: Add Beans and Corn
Add:
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Corn
Stir everything together.
Step 8: Return the Sausage
Add the browned sausage back to the pot.
Step 9: Add Broth
Pour in:
2½ cups beef broth
and Worcestershire sauce.
The liquid should almost cover the ingredients without making the stew look like a thin soup.
Add the remaining broth later if needed.
Step 10: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low.
Cover partially and simmer for approximately:
25–35 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
The stew is ready when:
- Potatoes are tender
- Broth is slightly thickened
- Flavors have blended
Step 11: Adjust Consistency
If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth.
If it is too thin, simmer uncovered for another:
5–10 minutes.
You can also gently mash a few potato pieces against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the broth.
Step 12: Taste and Serve
Taste before adding extra salt because sausage, broth, beans, and Worcestershire can already contain plenty.
Adjust with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chili powder
- Cayenne
Finish with parsley or green onions.
Serve hot.
The Secret to Great Cowboy Stew
Brown the Sausage
Those caramelized edges add much more flavor.
Brown the Beef Well
Let some of the meat develop darker edges instead of constantly stirring.
Use Tomato Paste
It gives the broth a deeper tomato flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes
They should be tender but still hold their shape.
Let the Stew Rest
After cooking, let it sit off the heat for:
10 minutes.
The broth thickens slightly and the flavors settle.
How Thick Should Cowboy Stew Be?
Cowboy Stew should be thicker than ordinary soup but generally looser than chili.
You want enough broth to surround:
- Potatoes
- Beef
- Sausage
- Beans
- Corn
without everything floating in a watery soup.
If you want it thicker, simmer uncovered.
Old-Fashioned Cowboy Stew
For a more old-school version, keep the ingredients simple:
- Ground beef
- Smoked sausage
- Potatoes
- Beans
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Beef broth
Season with:
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Pepper
This gives the stew a straightforward campfire-style flavor.
Texas-Style Cowboy Stew
For a stronger Southwestern flavor, add:
- Extra chili powder
- Cumin
- Jalapeños
- Pinto beans
- Tomatoes with green chiles
Finish with shredded cheddar and green onions.
Cowboy Stew With Bacon
Cook:
6 slices bacon
until crisp.
Remove and crumble.
Brown the beef and sausage in a small amount of bacon drippings.
Stir half the bacon into the stew.
Sprinkle the remaining bacon over each bowl.
Spicy Cowboy Stew
Add:
- 1–2 jalapeños
- Cayenne
- Hot smoked sausage
- Extra tomatoes with green chiles
Serve with sour cream to balance the heat.
Cheesy Cowboy Stew
Stir:
1–1½ cups shredded cheddar
into the stew near the end.
Keep the heat low while stirring.
Or simply add cheese to individual bowls.
Creamy Cowboy Stew
For a richer version, stir in:
4 ounces cream cheese
during the final few minutes.
Let it melt completely.
This transforms the tomato broth into a creamy, slightly tangy stew.
Ranch Cowboy Stew
Add:
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning.
Because ranch seasoning can be salty, reduce additional salt.
This variation works particularly well with cheddar and bacon.
Bacon Ranch Cowboy Stew
Combine:
- Bacon
- Ranch seasoning
- Ground beef
- Smoked sausage
- Cheddar
This is especially good for game day or casual family gatherings.
Cowboy Stew With Black Beans
Replace either kidney or pinto beans with:
black beans.
Or use all three.
Black beans add additional color and a slightly different texture.
Cowboy Stew With Baked Beans
For a sweeter barbecue-style variation, replace one can of beans with:
baked beans.
Add a small amount of:
- Barbecue sauce
- Smoked paprika
This version tastes more like cowboy beans transformed into stew.
Cowboy Stew With Green Beans
Add:
1–2 cups green beans
during the final 15 minutes.
Fresh, frozen, or drained canned green beans can work.
Cowboy Stew With Carrots
Add:
2 sliced carrots
with the potatoes.
Carrots add sweetness and help stretch the stew.
Cowboy Stew With Bell Peppers
Add:
- Red bell pepper
- Green bell pepper
Cook them with the onion.
They add sweetness and give the stew more color.
Cowboy Stew With Mushrooms
Add:
8 ounces sliced mushrooms.
Brown them after the sausage and before the ground beef.
This adds extra savory flavor.
Cowboy Stew With Extra Corn
Increase corn to:
2 cups.
Sweet corn works especially well against the smoky sausage and spicy tomatoes.
Cowboy Stew Without Beans
Simply omit the beans.
Increase:
- Potatoes
- Ground beef
- Corn
slightly.
The result will feel more like a traditional beef-and-potato stew.
Cowboy Stew Without Potatoes
Skip the potatoes and add:
- Another can of beans
- Extra corn
- Bell peppers
This creates more of a chili-style Cowboy Stew.
High-Protein Cowboy Stew
For more protein:
- Increase lean ground beef to 1½ pounds
- Use lean smoked sausage
- Add another can of beans
- Reduce potatoes slightly
This keeps the stew hearty while increasing the meat-and-bean ratio.
Budget-Friendly Cowboy Stew
This is already an excellent budget recipe because inexpensive ingredients stretch the meat.
To make it even more economical:
- Use 1 pound ground beef
- Use half the sausage
- Add extra beans
- Add more potatoes
- Add another cup of corn
- Add carrots
One pot can provide plenty of servings without requiring a huge amount of meat.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Stew
Brown the ground beef first.
Brown sausage if you have time.
Transfer to the slow cooker.
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Beans
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Seasonings
- Broth
- Worcestershire
Cook on:
LOW for 6–7 hours
or
HIGH for 3–4 hours
until the potatoes are tender.
Crockpot Cowboy Stew With Cream Cheese
During the final:
20–30 minutes
add:
4 ounces cream cheese.
Stir until completely melted.
This produces a thick, creamy variation.
Instant Pot Cowboy Stew
Use sauté mode to brown:
- Sausage
- Ground beef
- Onion
Add garlic and seasonings.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Pressure-cook according to your appliance’s guidance for a beef-and-potato stew, accounting for the size of your potato pieces, then release pressure safely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cowboy Stew Over Rice
Serve the stew over:
steamed white rice.
This is a simple way to stretch the meal for a larger family.
Cowboy Stew With Macaroni
Add cooked elbow macaroni shortly before serving.
Cook the pasta separately for the best texture.
This creates something between Cowboy Stew and chili mac.
Cowboy Stew With Egg Noodles
Serve over:
buttered egg noodles.
The noodles absorb the rich tomato-beef broth and turn the stew into an even more substantial dinner.
What to Serve With Cowboy Stew
Cornbread
Probably the best pairing.
A slightly sweet cornbread contrasts nicely with smoky sausage and spicy tomato broth.
Cheddar Garlic Muffins
A cheesy garlic muffin works perfectly for dipping into the stew.
Biscuits
Soft buttermilk biscuits are another classic option.
Garlic Bread
Excellent for soaking up broth.
Green Salad
A fresh salad balances the richness.
Coleslaw
Crunchy coleslaw works particularly well with smoky cowboy-style flavors.
Cowboy Stew Toppings
Set out:
- Shredded cheddar
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Jalapeños
- Crumbled bacon
- Parsley
- Crushed corn chips
Guests can customize their own bowl.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Cowboy Stew is an excellent make-ahead recipe.
Prepare the full stew.
Cool it.
Refrigerate overnight.
The next day, gently reheat on the stovetop.
You may need to add:
½ cup beef broth
because the potatoes and beans continue absorbing liquid during storage.
Meal Prep
Divide the cooled stew among individual containers.
Keep:
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Green onions
separate until serving.
This keeps the toppings fresher.
How to Store Cowboy Stew
Cool leftovers promptly.
Transfer to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for about:
3–4 days.
How to Reheat
Stovetop
Place in a saucepan.
Add a splash of:
- Beef broth
- Water
Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Microwave
Heat individual portions in intervals, stirring between each round.
Add a small amount of broth if it has become very thick.
Can You Freeze Cowboy Stew?
Yes.
Cool the stew completely.
Transfer to freezer-safe containers.
Leave a little room for expansion.
Freeze.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
The potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing, but the stew still reheats well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cowboy Stew?
It’s a hearty one-pot stew commonly made with ground beef, smoked sausage, potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, and Southwestern-style seasonings.
Can I use kielbasa?
Yes. Kielbasa works very well.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes.
Can I add bacon?
Definitely.
Can I add cheese?
Yes. Cheddar is especially good.
Can I make it spicy?
Add jalapeños, cayenne, or spicy smoked sausage.
Can I leave out the beans?
Yes.
Can I freeze Cowboy Stew?
Yes.
Why is my stew too thin?
Simmer uncovered for several minutes or mash a few potato pieces into the broth.
Why is my stew too thick?
Add additional beef broth.
Is Cowboy Stew the same as chili?
No. It shares some ingredients with chili but usually contains potatoes, sausage, corn, and more broth.
Easy Cowboy Stew Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 12–14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ pounds potatoes, cubed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can pinto beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2½–3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown smoked sausage for 3–4 minutes.
- Remove sausage and set aside.
- Add ground beef and onion.
- Cook until beef is browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste.
- Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and tomatoes with green chiles.
- Add potatoes.
- Add kidney beans.
- Add pinto beans.
- Add corn.
- Return sausage to the pot.
- Pour in 2½ cups beef broth.
- Add Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat.
- Simmer partially covered for 25–35 minutes.
- Stir occasionally.
- Cook until potatoes are tender.
- Add extra broth if needed.
- Simmer uncovered if you want a thicker stew.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Delicious Variations
Bacon Cowboy Stew: Add crispy bacon.
Cheesy Cowboy Stew: Add cheddar.
Creamy Cowboy Stew: Add cream cheese.
Spicy Cowboy Stew: Add jalapeños and cayenne.
Ranch Cowboy Stew: Add ranch seasoning.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Stew: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.
Cowboy Stew With Macaroni: Stir in cooked elbow pasta.
Three-Bean Cowboy Stew: Add black beans along with kidney and pinto beans.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Stew is exactly the kind of meal that turns inexpensive pantry staples into a filling family dinner.
Ground beef, smoky sausage, potatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, tomatoes, and Southwestern seasonings simmer together into a rich, chunky stew with plenty of flavor in every spoonful.
For the best result, brown the sausage first, let the beef develop good color, drain excess grease, cut the potatoes evenly, keep the broth slightly thick, and let the finished stew rest for a few minutes before serving.