I once tried to impress my friends with a fancy gourmet stew, but instead, I ended up with a pot of overcooked mush that no one was excited to eat. That little kitchen disaster made me realize I needed a fail-proof recipe in my back pocket for situations like that. Enter Cowboy Stew—a hearty, savory, and oh-so-satisfying one-pot wonder that combines meats, beans, and veggies into a dish that’s impossible to mess up. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or savoring leftovers the next day.
There’s something special about this stew. The smoky bacon, savory sausage, and tender ground beef blend beautifully with the sweetness of baked beans and the earthy richness of potatoes. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, bringing together classic flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just whipping it up for yourself, Cowboy Stew always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Stew
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here. Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and carbs, this stew is a full meal in one pot.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, and who doesn’t love that?
- Flavorful Layers: From the smoky bacon to the kick of chili powder, every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
This stew has become a family favorite in my house, and I know it will be in yours too. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: Serves 6-8
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (28 ounces) baked beans
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Be sure to leave the bacon drippings in the pot for extra flavor.
2. Brown the Sausage
Next, add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the pot with the bacon drippings. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is browned on both sides. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside with the bacon.
3. Sauté the Beef and Onions
In the same pot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pot, drain it off carefully.
4. Add Seasonings and Flour
Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for one minute. This step helps to thicken the stew and eliminates the raw taste of the flour.
5. Combine Remaining Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Pour in the diced tomatoes (along with their juice), baked beans, diced green chilies, sweet corn, and diced potatoes. Return the cooked bacon and sausage to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Simmer the Stew
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about an hour. Stir the stew occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. After an hour, check the potatoes for doneness—they should be tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. This stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.
Tips for Success of Cowboy Stew
- Drain the Fat: After browning the beef, make sure to drain any excess fat. This keeps the stew from becoming greasy.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the chili powder or skip the green chilies. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Thicker Stew: If you like a thicker consistency, simmer the stew uncovered for the last 15 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
- Customize Your Beans: Not a fan of baked beans? Swap them out for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even black beans for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your ingredients in advance to make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
Cowboy Stew Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and add extra beans, mushrooms, or even tofu for a plant-based version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to keep the stew thick and hearty.
- Add More Veggies: Enhance the stew with additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Cheesy Topping: Stir in shredded cheddar or top each serving with grated cheese for an indulgent twist.
How to Serve Cowboy Stew
- With Crusty Bread: Use thick slices of fresh bread to soak up every last drop of the stew.
- Over Rice: Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice for a more filling option.
- With a Side Salad: Pair the stew with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors.
Freezing and Storage Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This stew freezes beautifully! Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Reheating: Warm the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.
Special Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot: Essential for cooking everything in one vessel.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring the ingredients and breaking up the beef.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: To dice vegetables and slice the sausage.
FAQ
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and the kielbasa can be replaced with smoked turkey sausage.
Is this stew spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chili powder and green chilies, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the bacon, sausage, and beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I make it ahead of time?
This stew tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How do I thicken the stew?
Let it simmer uncovered toward the end of cooking, or mash a few of the potatoes to naturally thicken the broth.
Cowboy Stew is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it! Don’t forget to share your thoughts, photos, or any fun twists you put on the recipe. Enjoy every hearty, delicious bite!
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Cowboy Stew: A Hearty One-Pot Meal That Never Fails
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
Description
Cowboy Stew is a hearty one-pot meal made with smoky bacon, savory sausage, ground beef, beans, and tender potatoes. This comforting and flavorful dish is easy to make and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (28 ounces) baked beans
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Instructions
- Cook chopped bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Brown kielbasa sausage in the bacon drippings; set aside.
- Sauté ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
- Sprinkle flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes, baked beans, chilies, corn, potatoes, bacon, and sausage. Stir well.
- Simmer the stew covered on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Check that potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot with fresh parsley garnish.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serve with bread, rice, or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American