Dinner’s on! My Cowboy Stew recipe combines three types of tender meat with beans and veggies in a one-pot wonder delicious enough for everyone. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, Cowboy Stew is sure to become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – With simple steps and minimal prep work, you can whip up this stew in no time.
- Flavor Packed – The combination of meats, beans, and spices creates an irresistible flavor that warms the soul.
- One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with family and friends.
- Customizable – Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Cowboy Stew fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the ingredients, let’s gather our tools. Having everything at your fingertips will make cooking Cowboy Stew a breeze.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot – Essential for cooking all the ingredients together while allowing room for bubbling and simmering.
- Slotted spoon – Helps remove cooked meat from drippings without taking excess fat, ensuring your stew stays flavorful but not greasy.
- Cutting board and chef’s knife – Crucial for chopping vegetables and meats safely and efficiently.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 4 slices bacon, (chopped)
– 2 (12-ounce) packages kielbasa sausage, (cut into 1/2 inch slices)
– 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, (80/20)
– 1 medium onion, (diced)
– 3 cloves garlic, (minced)
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, (with liquid)
– 2 (16-ounce) cans baked beans (sweeter) or ranch beans (more savory), (with liquid)
– 1 (7-ounce) can chopped green chilies, (with liquid)
– 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, (with liquid)
– 2 medium russet potatoes, (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons parsley, (chopped)
How to Make Cowboy Stew
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon until brown and crispy in a large pot. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add the sausage to the pot drippings. Brown it on both sides, adjusting heat as needed so fond does not burn. Remove sausage to the plate with bacon; set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add beef, onion, and garlic to the pot. Brown until the beef is no longer pink. Sprinkle flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder over beef. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and water. Bring to a boil then immediately reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Garnish
Garnish with parsley before serving.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency
Add additional water if stew is too thick for your liking.
Enjoy your delicious Cowboy Stew! It’s perfect for sharing or savoring as leftovers throughout the week.
How to Serve Cowboy Stew
Cowboy Stew is a hearty and filling dish that’s perfect for any gathering. It can be enjoyed in various ways to suit your taste and occasion.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve warm slices of crusty bread for dipping into the stew. The bread will soak up the flavors wonderfully.
Over Rice
- Spoon the Cowboy Stew over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. This adds a nice texture while making the dish even more filling.
Topped with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top just before serving. Cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully and enhances the flavor.
Accompanied by Salad
- A fresh green salad can balance the rich flavors of Cowboy Stew. Consider a simple vinaigrette to add brightness.
With Pickled Jalapeños
- For those who enjoy heat, serve with pickled jalapeños on the side. This adds a tangy kick that complements the stew perfectly.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top each bowl with chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. This elevates both flavor and presentation.
How to Perfect Cowboy Stew
Achieving the best Cowboy Stew involves a few simple techniques that enhance its flavor and texture.
- Use Quality Meat: Choose fresh, high-quality meats for better taste and tenderness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust spices according to your preference for heat and flavor.
- Simmer Slowly: Allowing the stew to simmer for longer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Add Veggies Wisely: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking; add heartier veggies earlier in the process.
- Store Correctly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so slowly on low heat to prevent burning or thickening too much.
Best Side Dishes for Cowboy Stew
Pairing your Cowboy Stew with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
Cornbread
Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of Cowboy Stew, adding a touch of sweetness.Coleslaw
A refreshing coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the stew.Baked Potatoes
Serve baked potatoes topped with butter or sour cream as a comforting side option.Garlic Bread
Garlic bread provides an aromatic complement that works well for dipping into your stew.Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal roasted vegetables add color, nutrition, and additional flavors to your meal.Caesar Salad
The creamy dressing and crispy romaine make Caesar salad an excellent side choice for contrast.Fried Plantains
Sweet fried plantains provide a delightful contrast to the spicy notes of Cowboy Stew.Macaroni Salad
A cold macaroni salad offers a nice textural contrast while providing comfort food vibes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cowboy Stew, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Using the wrong meats – Choosing low-quality or tough cuts can ruin your dish. Opt for fresh, tender meats like ground beef, bacon, and sausage to enhance flavor.
- Neglecting the seasoning – A bland stew can be disappointing. Ensure you measure your spices accurately and taste as you go to adjust flavors.
- Skipping the browning step – Not browning meat properly can result in less flavor. Take your time to brown the bacon, sausage, and beef before adding other ingredients.
- Overcooking or undercooking the potatoes – If potatoes are overcooked, they turn mushy; if undercooked, they remain hard. Cut them into uniform pieces and check for tenderness during simmering.
- Not letting it simmer long enough – Quick cooking can lead to unbalanced flavors. Allow the stew to simmer for at least an hour to meld all the delicious tastes together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Cowboy Stew in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Cowboy Stew
- Place cooled Cowboy Stew in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cowboy Stew
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating.
- Stovetop – Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about making Cowboy Stew.
How do I make Cowboy Stew thicker?
To thicken Cowboy Stew, you can add more flour or cornstarch mixed with water during cooking. Alternatively, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
Can I customize my Cowboy Stew?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out meats according to your preference.
What is the best way to serve Cowboy Stew?
Cowboy Stew is best served hot in bowls with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness.
How do I make Cowboy Stew vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version of Cowboy Stew, substitute meat with beans and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add more veggies for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Stew is not just a meal; it’s a cozy delight that brings people together. With its hearty combination of meats and vegetables, this one-pot wonder is perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand!
Cowboy Stew
Cowboy Stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender meats, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables into a delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This delightful stew bursts with flavors from bacon, sausage, and ground beef, creating a savory base that pairs beautifully with sweet corn and diced tomatoes. With minimal prep time and easy steps, you’ll have a warm, filling dish ready to serve in no time. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with crusty bread, Cowboy Stew promises to be a new favorite in your home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 2 packages kielbasa sausage (12 ounces each, sliced)
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 2 cans baked beans (16 ounces each)
- 1 can chopped green chilies (7 ounces)
- 1 can sweet corn (15 ounces)
- 2 medium russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
- Brown the sausage in the same pot until golden. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to the pot; cook until beef is browned.
- Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder; cook for an additional minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, baked beans, corn, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and water; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for one hour, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
