If you are craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings together smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, this Cowboy Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender kielbasa, crispy bacon, ground beef, colorful veggies, and rich beans, this stew offers a satisfying texture and depth that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s perfect for cozy nights or feeding a hungry crowd, delivering classic cowboy campfire vibes right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cowboy Stew Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients you likely have on hand, and each one plays a crucial role in building the stew’s unforgettable flavor and comforting texture.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy layer of flavor that infuses the stew as it cooks.
- Kielbasa sausage: Sliced and browned for a juicy, meaty bite that stands out beautifully.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty substance and a rich savory base.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and aromatic depth after sautéing.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly tangy crunch that balances the richness.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Give the stew a creamy, velvety texture when tender.
- Garlic: Packs a punch of pungent warmth that enhances all the other flavors.
- Kidney beans and black beans: Add protein, fiber, and a satisfying bite to every spoonful.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Offer acidity and bright red color that livens up the pot.
- Whole-kernel corn: Brings bursts of sweetness and a unique pop with every mouthful.
- Low-sodium beef broth: Forms the savory, comforting liquid base of the stew.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the stew to the perfect consistency.
- Chili powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper: Season the stew with a perfect balance of heat and seasoning.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of fresh color and herbal brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium heat and frying the chopped bacon until it’s satisfyingly crisp. This first step creates a flavorful, smoky foundation that will infuse the entire stew. Remove the bacon and save it for later, but keep about a tablespoon of that magical bacon grease in the pot to cook the other ingredients.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Next, add the sliced kielbasa to the pot and cook it until it’s browned on each side. This step caramelizes the sausage’s edges, locking in its juices and creating a deep, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the bacon. Set the kielbasa aside with the cooked bacon to rejoin the stew later.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef and Veggies
Now it’s time for the ground beef to join the party. Add it to the pot along with the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is fully browned and the onion turns translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
Step 4: Spice It Up and Thicken
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously for about a minute until the flour has been fully absorbed and the mixture turns evenly coated—this thickens the stew later and ensures every spoonful is luscious with flavor.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Now the fun part: adding in the kidney beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, whole-kernel corn, cubed potatoes, beef broth, and the previously cooked bacon and kielbasa. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce the heat to let the stew simmer gently. Cover the pot and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the potatoes are perfectly tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the stew’s hearty richness. Ladle the Cowboy Stew Recipe into bowls and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.
How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe
Garnishes
While parsley is a classic garnish, feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese to elevate the stew’s creaminess and richness. A few slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of chopped green onions can add a little extra kick and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This cowboy-inspired stew is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple cornbread, crusty bread, or even buttery dinner rolls. These sides provide a perfect vehicle to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming rustic touch, serve the stew in small cast iron skillets or enamel mugs. You can also top it with crunchy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips for a playful textural contrast that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cowboy Stew Recipe, store any leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This stew freezes remarkably well, so portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this Cowboy Stew Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap out the bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef for plant-based sausage or extra beans and vegetables. Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What type of potatoes works best?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well without falling apart, giving the stew a creamy texture without becoming mushy. Russets can work but tend to break down more during cooking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh diced tomatoes, especially when in season, but you may need to add a bit more broth or water to maintain the stew’s liquid balance since canned tomatoes contain their juices.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meats and sauté the veggies beforehand, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the potatoes in the last hour to avoid overcooking.
What kind of chili powder is best for this recipe?
A good-quality chili powder blends mild heat and smoky, earthy flavors, which complements the cowboy stew perfectly. Avoid overly spicy blends if you want a balanced stew, but adjust according to your heat tolerance.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about gathering around a bowl of Cowboy Stew Recipe: it warms your belly and your soul with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this stew delivers on flavor and comfort in a way few recipes can. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal.
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Cowboy Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings (6 bowls)
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Cowboy Stew packed with smoky bacon, savory kielbasa, tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a robust blend of beans and spices. Perfect for a comforting meal that satisfies big appetites and brings warming flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 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 Other Ingredients
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and fry it 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, draining off any excess grease.
- Brown the Kielbasa: In the same pot, add the sliced kielbasa sausage. Cook until browned on each side. Remove and set it aside with the cooked bacon.
- Sauté Ground 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. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent.
- Add Flour and Spices: Sprinkle the flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir continuously for about one minute until the flour is absorbed and no dry patches remain.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in kidney beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, corn, diced potatoes, beef broth, cooked bacon, and kielbasa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish if desired. Serve the cowboy stew hot for a comforting and filling meal.
Notes
- Use a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Be sure to rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium content.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for preferred spice level.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely.
- For a thicker stew, cook uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to reduce liquid.
