What I love about this recipe is how versatile and easy to customise it is. So you don’t have to include the hot dogs if you prefer a meat-free option; simply leave them out and you’ll have a hearty, classic bean stew that is just as satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that can be adjusted to suit whatever ingredients you have on hand or whatever your family prefers. For instance, if you have picky eaters, you can swap out beans or veggies to match their tastes. I often make variations depending on what’s available in my pantry, which is one of the reasons I keep coming back to this slow cooker cowgirl stew dish.
I like to serve my stew with a warm, crusty baguette to soak up all the rich, flavourful sauce, but it’s equally delicious served over a baked potato, making it an incredibly versatile meal for any occasion. As the weather gets cooler, nothing beats a comforting bowl of stew to fill your belly and warm you up. The best part is that using a slow cooker to prepare this hearty stew makes the process even easier. You simply toss in all your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do the work. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal that’s full of flavour.
For my son, who isn’t a big fan of kidney beans, I sometimes leave them out and double up on baked beans instead. My recipes are just a guide, so feel free to mix things up and make them your own!
So this slow cooker cowgirl stew recipe is from page 76 of The Ultimate Slow Cooker Cookbook.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 3-4 hours on low
SERVES 4 people
KIT you will need a slow cooker.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cowgirl Stew
4 hot dogs, cut into bit-sized pieces
1 onion, peeled and sliced
2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes
Half a 400g tin of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon of brown sauce
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
A teaspoon of paprika
1 tablespoon of tomato purée
1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped (or a handful of frozen chopped peppers)
A green pepper, deseeded and chopped (or a handful of frozen chopped peppers)
A 200g tin of baked beans
250ml of vegetable stock
A pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
To serve:
A fresh crusty baguette or loaf
Method
So to get started, place the sliced hot dogs directly into your slow cooker. These add a smoky, savoury flavour that becomes even richer as they cook. Then add in the sliced onion – white or red onions both work well, depending on your preference. The onions will soften beautifully and help build a flavourful base for the stew.
Next, pour in the chopped tomatoes and drained kidney beans. Then add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sauce (which gives the dish a lovely tang), cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, smoked paprika for depth, and a spoonful of tomato purée to thicken the sauce. Give everything a good stir, making sure the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated in the seasoning. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for around 2 hours. So this gives the flavours time intensify.
After the initial cook, add the chopped peppers – red, yellow, or green all work well, depending on what you have on hand. Then pour in the vegetable stock and tip in the baked beans, which add a comforting sweetness and help bulk out the dish. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then stir everything together again. Continue to cook on low for another 1 to 2 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size and firmness of your peppers, so just check occasionally until they’re tender.
So once everything is cooked through and your kitchen smells incredible, it’s ready to serve. This cowgirl stew is the ultimate comfort food – hearty, tasty, and super easy to make. Serve it hot in big bowls, ideally beside a warm fire, with slices of crusty bread to mop up all that rich, smoky sauce. Perfect for a cosy winter evening! Here’s my recipe for my air fryer bread rolls.
Tips for Slow Cooker Cowgirl Stew
1. Brown your meat first (optional, but worth it)
While the slow cooker makes everything easier, browning your sausage or ground beef before adding it to the pot brings out extra flavour and gives the stew a richer base. It only takes a few minutes but makes a big difference!
2. Use a mix of meats
Traditional cowgirl stew often uses smoked sausage and ground beef, but feel free to mix it up. Chorizo adds spice, while ground turkey lightens things up. Using a variety of proteins gives the stew a more interesting texture and depth.
3. Don’t skip the beans and veggies
Cowgirl stew is a great way to use pantry staples. Add canned beans (like pinto, kidney, or black beans), sweetcorn, and chopped potatoes for heartiness. Bell peppers and onions add colour and flavour. You can also throw in green beans or carrots if you have them.
4. Season it well
A can of Rotel (or chopped tomatoes with green chillies), garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chilli powder will give your stew a smoky, Tex-Mex flavour. Don’t forget salt and pepper – taste and adjust before serving.
5. Let it slow cook low and slow
Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4. The longer it simmers, the better the flavours come together.
6. Serve it right
Cowgirl stew is delicious with cornbread, crusty rolls, or over rice. Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence!
Similar recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this slow cooker cowgirl stew, there’s so much more to discover in The Ultimate Slow Cooker Cookbook. The recipes are designed to make the most of your slow cooker, delivering big flavour with minimal effort, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning ahead for the week.
For comforting drinks and desserts, the Mulled Wine is perfect for festive gatherings, gently infused with warming spices. While Festive Slow Cooker Baked Apples and the indulgent Sticky Toffee Pudding are ideal when you want a hands-off sweet treat that feels truly special.
If you’re looking for hearty, nourishing meals, the Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash and Spinach Curry is packed with colour and spice. While Squash and Coconut Soup and classic Chicken Soup are perfect for cosy evenings or make-ahead lunches. Vegetable lovers will also enjoy the Veggie Lancashire Hot Pot, a slow-cooked classic that’s both comforting and satisfying.
For something a little more adventurous, try the bold flavours of Beef Tacos. Or the rich, smoky Shakshuka, both ideal for feeding family and friends. The Butterbean, Pesto and Chorizo Stew is another favourite, combining simple ingredients into a deeply flavourful dish.
Seafood fans will love the fragrant Red Thai Prawn Noodles. While the Honey and Hoisin Duck Wraps make an effortless yet impressive midweek meal. For a true centrepiece. The Whole Chicken Cooked in Cider delivers tender meat and a beautifully savoury sauce with hardly any effort at all.
Together, these recipes show just how versatile your slow cooker can be. From breakfasts and soups to family dinners, desserts and even drinks.
Or check out my brand new Club App, with exclusive calorie-counted recipes added weekly, customisable meal plans, printable shopping lists and many many more useful features to make all your meal prepping so much easier!