Welcome to a truly satisfying dish that brings together the best of two comfort food worlds: our delightful cowboy stew recipe. This hearty creation is a flavorful blend of classic beef stew and robust chili, designed to warm you from the inside out. It features multiple savory meats and a colorful array of vegetables, simmered to perfection. This rich and smoky stew is perfect for chilly evenings, exciting game days, or as an effortless weeknight meal. You’ll find it’s a savory, smoky, and incredibly filling dish that quickly becomes a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Stew
This cowboy stew recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and flavor that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
- Super Satisfying: Packed with savory meats, hearty potatoes, and a rich, spiced broth, every spoonful is incredibly fulfilling.
- Easy for a Crowd: This recipe scales beautifully, making it perfect for feeding a large family or meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Cozy Comfort: Ideal for chilly evenings, fall gatherings, or anytime you crave a deeply warming and flavorful dish.
- Freezes Wonderfully: Prepare a big batch and store portions in the freezer for quick, delicious meals on busy days.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables to perfectly suit your family’s taste.
Ingredients
Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create your next favorite cowboy stew recipe:
- 6 slices beef bacon (not thick-cut), chopped
- 1 (12- to 14-ounce) package kielbasa, cut into ½-inch slices
- 1 lb. ground beef (80/20)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans ranch-style beans or chili beans, with their liquid
- 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, drained
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilis, with their liquid
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
Ranch-style beans are pinto beans in a seasoned sauce; if you can’t find them, regular cowboy beans (not too spicy) work perfectly as a substitute. Feel free to swap kielbasa for another smoked sausage you enjoy, or use ground turkey or venison instead of ground beef for a leaner option. Boost the veggie content with diced carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini. For a bolder flavor in your cowboy stew, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to make this delightful cowboy stew. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick:
- Large Dutch oven or a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot (at least 6-quart)
- Slotted spoon for removing cooked meats
- Wooden spoon or a meat chopper for breaking up ground beef
- Cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts
How To Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Creating this comforting cowboy stew recipe is a straightforward process, guided by these easy steps. Follow along to build layers of rich flavor for a truly satisfying meal.
- Step 1: Cook Beef Bacon and Kielbasa. In your large Dutch oven, cook the chopped beef bacon over medium heat until it’s golden and crisp, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the cooked beef bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, letting it drain. Next, add the sliced kielbasa to the drippings left in the pot. Cook the kielbasa until it’s lightly browned and smells wonderfully fragrant, typically 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa to the same plate as the beef bacon. Drain off all but about 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pot. This little bit of fat adds excellent flavor to the next step.
- Step 2: Brown Beef and Sauté Aromatics. Add the ground beef, chopped yellow onion, and finely chopped garlic to the remaining drippings in the pot. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat with your wooden spoon, until the beef is lightly browned. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Ensure the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- The browning of meat during cooking is a result of the Maillard reaction, a chemical process between amino acids and reducing sugars that creates hundreds of different flavor compounds and contributes to the distinctive color and aroma of many cooked foods.
- Step 3: Build the Flavor Base. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper directly into the pot with the browned beef and aromatics. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the flour smells slightly toasty and the spices are fragrant. This step helps to thicken the stew and deepen its overall flavor profile.
- Step 4: Combine and Simmer. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then stir in the ranch-style beans (including their liquid), the drained sweet corn, the can of diced tomatoes with green chilis (also with their liquid), and the cubed russet potatoes. Bring the entire mixture to a boil. Once boiling, return the cooked beef bacon and kielbasa to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the Dutch oven, and let the cowboy stew simmer gently for about 1 hour. Continue cooking until the potatoes are completely tender and all the amazing flavors have fully melded together, creating a rich and complex stew.
- Step 5: Serve. Ladle generous portions of your delicious cowboy stew into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and vibrant color. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Stew
Elevate your cowboy stew to new levels of deliciousness with these helpful tips.
- Deep Browning is Key: Take your time browning the beef bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef. This crucial step develops rich, caramelized flavors that form the backbone of your stew.
- Don’t Drain Canned Beans: The liquid from the ranch-style or chili beans is seasoned and contributes significantly to the stew’s flavor and thickness. Include it all!
- Adjust Seasoning During Simmering: Taste the stew periodically during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering. Adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed to suit your preference.
- Evenly Cut Potatoes: Cut your potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook at the same rate, preventing some from being mushy while others are still firm.
- Let it Rest: If you have time, let the stew rest off the heat for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to deepen and settle, making each spoonful even more enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Round out your meal and manage leftovers effortlessly with these ideas for your cowboy stew recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty cowboy stew with warm, golden skillet cornbread for a perfect pairing.
- Offer an array of toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, or sliced fresh jalapeños.
- Crusty bread is excellent for soaking up every last bit of the rich, savory broth.
- For an even heartier meal, serve your stew over a bed of fluffy rice or tender egg noodles.
Storage & Freezing
- Allow the cowboy stew to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooled stew in meal-sized portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the stew seems too thick.
Variations
- Spicier Kick: Stir in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the aromatics for an extra fiery cowboy stew.
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers, sliced carrots, or even cubed sweet potatoes along with the russet potatoes for more nutrients and flavor.
- Bean Alternatives: Experiment with other beans like black beans or kidney beans for a different texture and taste profile.
- Smoky Depth: A dash of liquid smoke or a tablespoon of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky notes of this stew.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the very end of cooking for a richer, creamier stew.
Nutrition Information
This cowboy stew recipe offers a robust and satisfying meal, packed with energy and protein. Enjoy this comforting dish knowing it fuels your body.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 618 kcal |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 1108 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Protein | 31 g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Beans play a key role in boosting fiber and plant-based protein, and their many science-backed advantages are explained in detail in this guide on the health benefits of beans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find quick answers to common questions about making this delicious cowboy stew recipe.
What are ranch-style beans?
They are pinto beans cooked in a savory, seasoned sauce, adding a unique flavor to your stew; chili beans are a great alternative.
Can I make this cowboy stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meats and aromatics first on the stovetop, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, venison, or other smoked sausages like chicken apple sausage can make excellent substitutions.
Is cowboy stew typically spicy?
Generally, it has a mild to medium spice level from chili powder and diced tomatoes with green chilis; you can easily adjust the heat to your preference.
What side dishes pair best with cowboy stew?
Warm cornbread, a fresh green salad, or crusty bread are all fantastic companions to this hearty stew.
Conclusion
This hearty cowboy stew recipe truly delivers on comfort, flavor, and ease, making it a perfect addition to your family’s meal rotation. Its unique blend of chili and beef stew elements offers a satisfying experience that warms the soul on any day. Don’t hesitate to make this flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish, whether for a cozy night in or a gathering with loved ones. Embrace its versatility and customize it to your heart’s content. Go ahead and whip up this incredible cowboy stew; your taste buds will thank you!
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Slotted spoon
- Paper Towel-Lined Plate
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices beef bacon not thick-cut, chopped
- 1 package kielbasa 12- to 14-ounce, cut into ½-inch slices
- 1 lb. ground beef 80/20
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans ranch-style beans or chili beans 15-ounce, with their liquid
- 1 can sweet corn 15-ounce, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilis 14-ounce, with their liquid
- 2 russet potatoes peeeld and cut into 1-inch cubes
- fresh parsley chopped, for serving
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Cook chopped beef bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, then remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Add sliced kielbasa to the drippings and brown until fragrant, then remove. Drain off all but one tablespoon of fat from the pot.
- Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in the remaining drippings, breaking up the meat. Sprinkle in flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking until the flour is toasty. Stir in chicken broth, beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilis, and potatoes, then bring to a boil and return the beef bacon and kielbasa to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Serve the hearty cowboy stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.