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

Scale

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

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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.