Hearty Cowboy Stew That Warms the Soul Every Time

This Cowboy Stew combines hearty meats and nutritious vegetables for a comforting one-pot meal.

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Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: comfort food, Cowboy Stew, family-friendly, hearty, one-pot meal, quick prep

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 1 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 400kcal

Equipment

Large pot

Ingredients

For the Meat

8 oz Bacon Consider turkey bacon for a lighter option.
14 oz Kielbasa Sausage Chorizo or hot links can spice things up.
1 lb Ground Beef (80/20) Opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner choice.

For the Vegetables

1 medium Onion Shallots make for a milder flavor.
2 cloves Garlic Garlic powder works in a pinch.
1 can Chopped Green Chilies Feel free to omit for a milder stew.
1 cup Sweet Corn Frozen corn is a great substitute.
2 medium Russet Potatoes Yukon Gold adds creaminess.

For the Broth

1 ¾ All-Purpose Flour Use cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative.
1 can Canned Petite Diced Tomatoes Use crushed tomatoes if petite ones aren’t available.
1 can Baked Beans or Ranch Beans Opt for low-sodium versions if desired.
4 cups Water Low-sodium beef broth enhances the flavor.

For Seasoning

1 teaspoon Salt Adjust if using salted meats.
1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to personal taste.
2 tablespoon Chili Powder Cumin can be a flavorful alternative.

For Garnish

1 tablespoon Parsley A fresh touch for color and brightness!

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cowboy Stew

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add sliced kielbasa. Sauté for approximately 4-5 minutes until browned and caramelized, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove the browned kielbasa from the pot and set it aside with the bacon.
Now, add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 6-8 minutes until it’s no longer pink, stirring in chopped onion and minced garlic halfway through. Once the beef is cooked, season with flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute.
Next, stir in the canned petite diced tomatoes, baked or ranch beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn, and diced russet potatoes. Pour in the water (or low-sodium beef broth) and mix everything well. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the Cowboy Stew simmer for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
When ready to serve, check the stew's consistency. If it’s too thick, stir in a bit more water. Ladle the hearty Cowboy Stew into bowls and garnish each portion with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Feel free to swap meats or add extra veggies for your family’s preferences. Experiment with veggies like carrots and bell peppers for enhanced nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition