If you are searching for a hearty, satisfying meal that brings a burst of bold and smoky flavors to your dinner table, this Cowboy Stew Recipe is an absolute gem. Packed with tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa, crispy bacon, and a delightful medley of beans and vegetables, it delivers warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy on a chilly evening, this dish strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and rich flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cowboy Stew Recipe is simple yet essential, coming together to create a stew that’s full of texture and flavor. From smoky bacon to tender Yukon Gold potatoes, each element has a role in bringing depth and heartiness to the dish.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds a delicious smoky crunch that sets the stew’s robust flavor foundation.
- Kielbasa sausage (14 ounces, sliced): Brings bold, savory notes and a touch of spice.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 90% lean): Offers meaty richness and fills the stew with satisfying protein.
- Onion (1, chopped): Provides sweetness and depth when softened.
- Green bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds a fresh, mild bite and vibrant color.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the stew with a fragrant and warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the stew for a luscious texture.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Lends a subtle heat and smoky undertone.
- Kosher salt (1½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and balances the savory elements.
- Canned kidney beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Contributes creaminess and boosts the hearty texture.
- Canned black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Adds earthiness and additional body to the stew.
- Petite diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Brings a subtle tang and brightens the stew with a pop of red.
- Canned whole-kernel corn (15 ounces, drained): Offers sweet bursts and color contrast.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (3 medium, cut into ½-inch cubes): Create a creamy, tender bite that makes the stew feel extra comforting.
- Low-sodium beef broth (4 cups): Forms the flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal note and a touch of green to finish.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped bacon and fry it until everything turns perfectly crisp. Then, carefully remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep one tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot to cook the next ingredients; this little bit of fat carries so much smoky flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Next, toss in your sliced kielbasa sausage to the pot. Cook the slices until they’re browned on each side, locking in their savory goodness. As soon as they’re ready, remove the kielbasa and add it to your bacon plate. This step layers in a bold smokiness that makes the stew stand out.
Step 3: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables
Into the flavorful drippings, add the ground beef, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and break up the beef with a wooden spoon as everything cooks. The ground beef should be fully cooked and the onion translucent, melding those savory and sweet flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Flour and Spices
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir constantly for about a minute so the flour cooks and blends with the spices. This step thickens the stew while infusing it with just the right amount of kick.
Step 5: Combine Beans, Veggies, and Broth
Now it’s time to add the kidney beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, drained corn, diced Yukon Gold potatoes, beef broth, and the cooked bacon and kielbasa. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Cover the pot and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender—just enough time for all those flavors to marry.
How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top brings a lovely pop of vibrant green that not only brightens up the look but adds a fresh herbal contrast to the stew’s smoky and savory depth. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This stew shines most when paired with rustic cornbread or warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad balances the hearty richness of the stew with a crisp, refreshing contrast. For a complete cowboy-inspired feast, try serving with buttery mashed potatoes or steamed green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew straight from the Dutch oven to keep it warm and welcoming. For a fun twist, hollow out a round loaf of bread and ladle the stew inside for an edible bowl. Individual mason jar servings add charm and portability for casual gatherings or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Cowboy Stew Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. This stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure there’s a bit of headspace for expansion. Store it frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the stew over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual servings, just make sure to cover loosely and stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I make this Cowboy Stew Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef. You can add extra beans or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to boost the texture and flavor. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth is also a great swap to keep it fully vegetarian.
What type of potatoes work best in this stew?
Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect because they hold their shape well while becoming tender and creamy. Russet potatoes can become too mushy, so Yukon Gold strikes the right balance for a rich, comforting bite.
How spicy is this Cowboy Stew Recipe?
The chili powder adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the dish, keeping it accessible for a variety of tastes. If you like more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the meats and sautéing the vegetables on the stove, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Just add the potatoes towards the last hour to maintain their texture.
What is the best way to thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
If you find the stew thinner than you like, mix one tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew and cook for a few more minutes until thickened. Alternatively, mashing some of the cooked potatoes into the broth also naturally thickens the stew.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Stew Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug after a long day. It’s loaded with robust flavors, easy to make, and adaptable enough to suit the whole family’s tastes. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how comforting and delicious a bowl of hearty stew can be!
Print
Cowboy Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 bowls
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cowboy Stew features a delicious blend of bacon, kielbasa sausage, ground beef, vegetables, and beans simmered together in a flavorful beef broth. Perfect for a filling and comforting meal that serves six generous bowls, this stew combines smoky, savory, and slightly spicy elements for a true Western-style dish.
Ingredients
Meats
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage (sliced, 1 package)
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can)
- 15 ounces canned black beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can)
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 15 ounces canned whole-kernel corn (drained, 1 can)
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (cut into ½-inch cubes)
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Liquids
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and fry until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot and carefully drain off the excess grease.
- Brown the sausage: Add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the pot and cook on each side until browned and caramelized. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the bacon.
- Sauté the beef and vegetables: To the pot, add the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to break up the beef, until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is translucent.
- Add spices and flour: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry patches remain.
- Combine the stew ingredients: Stir in the drained kidney beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, drained corn, cubed potatoes, beef broth, cooked bacon, and browned sausage. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the Dutch oven. Let the stew simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Garnish the stew with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the stew.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika along with the chili powder.
- Adjust the chili powder amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- The stew can be made a day ahead; flavors develop even more after resting overnight.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes in the pot before serving.
