If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl, this Cowboy Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with smoky bacon, savory kielbasa, tender ground beef, and a colorful medley of beans, potatoes, and veggies, this stew brings rustic flavors and satisfying textures together in one filling dish. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends, this Cowboy Stew Recipe will make everyone feel right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cowboy Stew Recipe lies in its simple, down-to-earth ingredients that combine to create bold, layered flavors. Each component plays a role—whether it’s the smokiness from the bacon or the hearty potatoes adding heartiness and comfort. Here’s what you’ll gather before cooking:
- Bacon: 4 slices chopped to impart a smoky, crispy base flavor that elevates the stew.
- Kielbasa Sausage: 2 (12-ounce) packages sliced into 1/2 inch pieces for meaty, slightly spicy bites.
- Ground Beef: 1 1/2 pounds, 80/20 for a juicy, flavorful protein foundation.
- Onion: 1 medium diced to add sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced, essential for that irresistible savory punch.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons to help thicken the stew and create a perfect texture.
- Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons, the key to bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon to add mild heat and balance.
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon for a subtle southwestern kick.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can with liquid, providing acidity and richness.
- Baked Beans or Ranch Beans: 2 (16-ounce) cans with liquid for sweetness and creaminess.
- Chopped Green Chilies: 1 (7-ounce) can with liquid to sneak in gentle heat and complexity.
- Sweet Corn: 1 (15-ounce) can with liquid to add pops of natural sweetness.
- Russet Potatoes: 2 medium peeled and cubed for hearty chunks that soak up all the flavors.
- Water: 1 cup to bring everything together during simmering.
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, the fresh finishing touch for brightness and color.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s wonderfully brown and crispy. The bacon fat left in the pot will become the flavor-packed foundation for the entire stew. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and keep it crispy until later.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa Sausage
Using the bacon drippings, add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the pot and sear the pieces until nicely browned on both sides. This caramelization deepens the sausage’s smoky flavor. Remove the kielbasa and set it aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Next, add your ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook everything until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This combination starts building the stew’s meaty, savory core.
Step 4: Add Flour and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder right over the cooked beef mixture. Stir and cook for about one minute to cook off the raw flour taste and evenly coat everything. This step helps thicken the stew while infusing the warming spices.
Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in all the vibrant canned goods and fresh potatoes—diced tomatoes, baked beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn, and the cubed russet potatoes join the pot along with the reserved bacon, kielbasa, and one cup of water. These ingredients create a colorful, hearty mix full of texture and flavor.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for one hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors beautifully. If the stew thickens too much, simply add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, stir in fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Your Cowboy Stew Recipe is now ready to fill bowls and warm hearts.
How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese can elevate the stew with fresh and melty layers of flavor. You might also offer sour cream or sliced green onions for guests who want to customize their bowls.
Side Dishes
This hearty Cowboy Stew is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with a crusty loaf of bread, cornbread, or even buttery mashed potatoes makes the meal extra special. A simple green salad can also add a refreshing crunch to balance the rich stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in hollowed-out bread bowls to soak up every hearty drop. You can also ladle it over baked potatoes or use it as a topping for toasted open-faced sandwiches. The rustic vibe of this Cowboy Stew Recipe lends itself well to casual, comforting presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Stew stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making for an even tastier next-day meal that just needs a simple reheat.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or save some for a future meal, Cowboy Stew freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible, then warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works well too for smaller portions.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in the Cowboy Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! While kielbasa adds a smoky flavor, you can swap in smoked Andouille, chorizo, or even your favorite spicy sausage to customize the taste profile.
Is this stew very spicy?
The Cowboy Stew Recipe includes just a teaspoon of chili powder and some green chilies, which gives it a mild, approachable warmth—not hot or overwhelming. You can adjust the spice level up or down based on your preference.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
While the original recipe is meat-heavy, you can omit the bacon, sausage, and beef and replace them with hearty mushrooms, beans, and extra vegetables. Use vegetable broth and add smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
What is the best way to thicken the stew if it is too watery?
If your stew is thinner than you like, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it in while simmering until it thickens. Alternatively, simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the meats first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Keep in mind potatoes might soften more in slow cooking, so adjust size accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Stew Recipe is the kind of meal that’s perfect for sharing, making memories, and savoring every spoonful of rich, comforting goodness. I’m so excited for you to give it a try—you might just find it becoming a beloved classic in your own kitchen. Grab your pot and get ready for a simmering sensation that’s sure to satisfy every appetite.
Print
Cowboy Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cowboy Stew is a robust and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Packed with smoky bacon, kielbasa sausage, ground beef, potatoes, beans, and a medley of vegetables, it simmers to tender perfection in a rich tomato and chili-infused broth. Garnished with fresh parsley, this stew is a comforting classic that brings bold Western flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Meats
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 (12-ounce) packages kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, with liquid
- 2 (16-ounce) cans baked beans or ranch beans, 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
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Seasonings & Other
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes brown and crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Browns Sausage: Using the bacon drippings left in the pot, brown the kielbasa sausage slices on both sides. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside with the bacon.
- Cook Beef and Aromatics: Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the meat mixture. Stir and cook for an additional minute to incorporate the flour and seasonings.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the petite diced tomatoes (with juice), baked beans (with liquid), chopped green chilies (with liquid), sweet corn (with liquid), and cubed potatoes. Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa sausage to the pot. Add 1 cup of water and stir everything to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If needed, add more water to reach your desired stew consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded, remove the pot from heat. Garnish the stew with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute kielbasa sausage with smoked sausage or another smoked meat if preferred.
- For a spicier stew, add additional chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- If you desire a thicker stew, reduce the amount of water or simmer uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more variety.
