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! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or chilly evenings, this hearty stew brings together robust flavors that satisfy. The blend of meats and vegetables creates a filling meal that warms the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready without the fuss.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of bacon, sausage, and ground beef offers a depth of flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can use different types of beans or add extra veggies based on what you have on hand.
- One-Pot Wonder: This Cowboy Stew cooks in just one pot, making clean-up a breeze after your meal.
- Great for Leftovers: The stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
To make Cowboy Stew, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Necessary for cooking all ingredients together while allowing for bubbling and simmering without overflow.
- Slotted spoon: Ideal for transferring cooked meats from the pot without excess grease, ensuring your stew remains flavorful but not overly oily.
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 pot drippings and brown on both sides. Adjust heat as needed so fond does not burn. Remove to the plate with bacon; set aside.
Step 3: Brown 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 and cook for one minute.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and water to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil then immediately reduce heat. Simmer covered for one hour, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Garnish
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency
If stew is too thick after cooking, add additional water as needed before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy Stew
Cowboy Stew is a hearty and filling dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and appeal. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough: The tangy flavor of sourdough bread pairs well with the rich stew.
- Garlic Bread: Add a buttery, garlicky crunch that complements the stew perfectly.
Topped with Cheese
- Cheddar: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top of hot Cowboy Stew.
- Monterey Jack: This cheese adds creaminess and a mild flavor that balances the spices.
Served Over Rice
- White Rice: A bed of fluffy white rice absorbs the delicious broth from the stew.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds fiber and a nutty taste.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a nice crunch and balance to the warm stew.
As a Sandwich Filling
- Stew Sandwiches: Use crusty rolls or buns filled with Cowboy Stew for a delightful twist on traditional serving.
How to Perfect Cowboy Stew
Perfecting your Cowboy Stew is all about balancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Quality Meat: Choosing high-quality meat enhances the overall flavor of your stew.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; don’t hesitate to adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder based on your preference.
- Simmer Longer: Allowing longer cooking times helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme just before serving for added freshness.
- Experiment with Beans: Try different types of beans for varied textures and tastes; black beans or pinto beans can be great alternatives.
- Thicken If Needed: If your stew is too thin, mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water for a thicker consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Cowboy Stew
To complement your hearty Cowboy Stew, consider serving it with these delicious side dishes that enhance the meal experience.
- Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes can be topped with butter or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add color and crunch to your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting base alongside your stew.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness that pairs well with savory stew flavors.
- Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad provides an interesting contrast in temperature while being wonderfully filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cowboy Stew can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality meats or canned goods can affect the stew’s flavor. Always select fresh ingredients for a richer taste.
- Overcooking the meat: Cooking meat for too long can make it tough. Ensure you brown it just enough before adding other ingredients.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not adjusting spices during cooking may lead to bland results. Taste as you go and enhance flavors to your liking.
- Not letting it simmer long enough: Rushing the simmering process prevents flavors from melding. Allow at least an hour for a delicious, rich stew.
- Neglecting to garnish: Skipping garnishes like parsley can make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Cowboy Stew in airtight containers.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Cowboy Stew
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Cowboy Stew can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cowboy Stew
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat in a covered dish for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cowboy Stew.
What type of meat is best for Cowboy Stew?
You can use any combination of beef, sausage, and bacon as listed in the recipe. This mix gives great flavor and texture.
How do I make Cowboy Stew spicier?
Add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños for extra heat. Adjust according to your preference!
Can I add vegetables to my Cowboy Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or any veggies you enjoy for extra nutrition and flavor.
How long does Cowboy Stew last in the fridge?
Cowboy Stew stays fresh for about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Stew is a comforting dish that combines multiple meats with hearty beans and vegetables, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust spice levels according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a beloved staple!
Cowboy Stew
Cowboy Stew is the ultimate comfort food that brings together a delightful mix of tender meats, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables, all in one pot. This satisfying dish combines crispy bacon, savory sausage, and flavorful ground beef with diced tomatoes, sweet corn, and potatoes to create a warming meal perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings. Easy to prepare and packed with robust flavors, Cowboy Stew is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea, this stew is versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 2 packages kielbasa sausage (cut into slices)
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 cans baked beans
- 1 can chopped green chilies
- 1 can sweet corn
- 2 medium russet potatoes (cubed)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In the same pot, brown the sliced sausage on both sides; then remove and set aside.
- Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to the pot; cook until beef is browned. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, cubed potatoes, bacon, sausage, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer covered for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
