This hearty and satisfying Cowboy Stew is perfectly spiced and loaded with ground beef, smoked sausage, beans, potatoes, and corn. It’s a big bowl of comfort, perfect for a fall day, and even better with a thick slice of cornbread with cinnamon honey butter. This recipe is easy to prepare and creates incredible layers of flavor by cooking everything in one pot.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Cowboy Stew is a wholesome and easy-to-prepare meal that’s perfect for feeding the family. The combination of meat and vegetables makes it a hearty and satisfying dish, ideal for chilly weather.
Origin of Cowboy Stew
The exact origin of Cowboy Stew is unknown, but it’s a dish rooted in American Western traditions. Cowboys likely made this stew while out on the range, using whatever ingredients they had on hand.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty stew:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Cowboy Stew
Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful Cowboy Stew:
- Cook the bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pot.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef, onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat until browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine meats: Add the sliced smoked sausage and cooked bacon back to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes to heat through.
- Add vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the pot.
- Season and simmer: Stir in beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Finish and serve: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip the bacon: Bacon adds a unique smoky flavor to the stew.
- Drain excess fat: Removing excess fat after browning the beef prevents the stew from becoming greasy.
- Simmering is key: Allowing the stew to simmer for the recommended time helps develop deep, rich flavors.
- Customize your beans: If you prefer a less sweet stew, use ranch-style beans instead of baked beans.
- Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients enhance the overall flavor of the stew.
Serving Tips
- Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
- Side dish: Serve with a slice of cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
- Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese on top or stir it into the stew for extra richness.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
- Beans: High in fiber and protein, promoting digestive health and satiety.
- Potatoes: A good source of vitamin C and potassium.
- Corn: Contains antioxidants and dietary fiber.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits.
Interesting Facts
- Cowboy stew can be cooked on a campfire, stovetop, oven, or slow cooker.
- The recipe can be easily adapted to include different types of meat or vegetables based on your preferences.
- Using petite diced tomatoes helps them break down faster, but crushed tomatoes can be used as an alternative.
Summarized Recipe
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients: Ground beef, bacon, onion, garlic, smoked sausage, potatoes, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, beef broth.
- Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper.
- Optional: Cheddar cheese.
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy and set aside.
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic; drain excess fat.
- Add sausage and bacon back to the pot.
- Add potatoes, beans, corn, and tomatoes.
- Stir in beef broth and spices; simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in cheese (optional) and serve hot.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Cowboy Stew!
