If you’ve been searching for a meal that wraps you in cozy warmth and satisfies that craving for something truly filling, you’re going to love this Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe. This stew brings together crispy bacon, flavorful kielbasa sausage, tender ground beef, and a colorful mix of beans and veggies, all simmered to savory perfection. It’s like a delicious hug in a bowl—perfect for family dinners, chilly nights, or anytime you want a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color in this cowboy stew. From the smoky bacon to the creamy potatoes, every component comes together to create a rich and satisfying meal.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds a smoky, crispy backbone that infuses the entire stew with delicious fat and flavor.
- Kielbasa sausage (14 ounces, sliced): Brings a savory, meaty punch with a hint of garlic and spice.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 90% lean): Provides hearty protein and base richness without too much fat.
- Onion (1, chopped): Offers sweetness and depth as it softens in the cooking process.
- Green bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds a fresh, slightly bitter note and vibrant green color.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (3 medium, cubed): Give the stew substance with creaminess once tender.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant, savory boost that wakes up the other flavors.
- Canned kidney beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Adds hearty texture and a touch of earthiness.
- Canned black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Complement the kidney beans with added creaminess and protein.
- Canned petite diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Provide acidity and vibrant color throughout the stew.
- Canned whole-kernel corn (15 ounces, drained): Lends subtle sweetness and a pop of texture.
- Low-sodium beef broth (4 cups): Serves as a flavorful, savory base without overwhelming saltiness.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the stew so it’s perfectly hearty and stew-like.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a touch of southwestern character.
- Kosher salt (1½ teaspoons): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a mild heat and depth.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Brightens the dish and adds a fresh finish.
How to Make Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe
Step 1: Crispy Bacon Perfection
Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium heat and frying the chopped bacon until it’s deliciously crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep about one tablespoon of that flavorful bacon grease in the pot—this is the secret foundation that will enhance every bite.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, add the sliced kielbasa to the same pot. Cook the sausage until each side is beautifully browned, locking in that savory, smoky flavor. Once done, remove and set it aside along with the crispy bacon. This layering of flavors makes the stew truly special.
Step 3: Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables
Into the pot goes the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks, letting it brown evenly while the onion softens and becomes translucent. This combination delivers a hearty meaty base with aromatic vegetables at the heart of the stew.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper over the beef-vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly for about a minute until the flour is absorbed into the mixture, which will help thicken the stew later. This step intensifies the flavor and creates a lovely texture.
Step 5: Combine Beans, Veggies, and Broth
Now comes the fun part. Stir in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, beef broth, plus the cooked bacon and kielbasa sausage you set aside earlier. Bring this hearty mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are perfectly tender, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 6: Final Touch
Once everything is tender and the flavors have melded wonderfully, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stew if you like. It adds a fresh burst of color and a bright contrast that makes every spoonful even more tempting.
How to Serve Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a few slices of green onion can add a refreshing pop that balances the stew’s richness. A grating of sharp cheddar cheese on top is also fantastic if you love a cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This cowboy stew is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with some crusty bread or buttery cornbread makes for a satisfyingly hearty feast. A crisp tossed salad or roasted veggies also add bright contrast and fresh textures to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out baked potatoes. You can also offer toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or crunchy tortilla strips on the side to let everyone customize their bowl, adding a bit of excitement and extra flavor variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
To keep the stew longer, it freezes beautifully! Place cooled stew in portioned freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave a little space at the top as the stew will expand a bit when frozen.
Reheating
Reheat your stew gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick after refrigeration or thawing. This ensures it’s just as creamy and comforting as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the bacon, sausage, and beef first to develop those rich flavors, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the beans, veggies, potatoes, spices, and broth, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the bacon, sausage, and beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or extra beans and lentils for protein. Also, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully plant-based version.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely. The chili powder adds mild warmth, but you can increase it or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer more heat. Conversely, reduce the chili powder for a gentler flavor.
What’s the best type of potato to use?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during simmering and add a buttery creaminess. Russets are an option but can become a bit mushy after long cooking.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Fresh beans are wonderful but will require soaking and longer cooking times. For convenience and consistency, canned beans are perfect—they’re already cooked and reduce the overall prep time significantly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods you want to share with everyone. It’s ridiculously satisfying, packed with bold flavors, and easy enough to make any night of the week. So grab your ingredients, cozy up to the stove, and enjoy the magic of a homemade cowboy stew that’s hearty, delicious, and impossible to resist.
Print
Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cowboy Stew recipe features a flavorful combination of bacon, kielbasa, ground beef, vegetables, beans, and potatoes simmered together in a savory tomato and beef broth. Perfect as a comforting meal for the whole family, it’s packed with protein and rich flavors that come together in one satisfying pot.
Ingredients
Meats
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced (1 package)
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 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)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot and drain off any excess grease.
- Cook the sausage: Add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the same pot. Cook it until browned on each side. Remove and set aside with the cooked bacon.
- Cook the beef and vegetables: Add the ground beef, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the ground beef as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent.
- Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for about one minute until the flour is fully absorbed and no dry patches remain.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, whole-kernel corn, diced potatoes, beef broth, cooked bacon, and kielbasa sausage. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, if desired. Serve the cowboy stew hot and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use 90% lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the stew.
- Simmer gently to ensure potatoes become tender without overcooking the other ingredients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder during seasoning.
- For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes after cooking or add a slurry of flour and water before simmering.
