Cowboy Stew – This Cowboy Stew Recipe is a hearty. And satisfying dish. That’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with ground beef, sausage, bacon, beans, and vegetables. This stew is a true comfort food. That combines the flavors of savory meats. With the richness of baked beans. And the freshness of diced tomatoes. And green chilies. It’s a meal. That’s sure to warm you up. And keep you full. Making it an ideal choice. For family dinners. Or gatherings.
The first time I made this Cowboy Stew. I was looking for something. That would please my entire family. My husband loves anything with meat. And my child is a fan of anything. That includes potatoes. And beans. As soon as the stew started simmering. The whole house was filled. With an irresistible aroma. When we finally sat down to eat. It was clear. That this recipe. Was a winner. Everyone went back for seconds. And it has since become a staple. In our home. Especially on those chilly nights. When we need something hearty. And comforting.
What makes this Cowboy Stew truly special?
This Cowboy Stew. Is not just another soup. It’s a full meal in a bowl. With the combination of bacon, kielbasa sausage, and ground beef. It offers a rich. And smoky flavor. That’s complemented by the sweetness of baked beans. And corn. The addition of potatoes. Makes it extra filling. While the green chilies. Add just the right amount of heat. The best part? It’s all cooked in one pot. Making cleanup a breeze.
What You Need To Make This Cowboy Stew Recipe?
Bacon: Provides a smoky flavor. And adds a crispy texture to the stew. It’s essential to cook it. Until it’s nice and crispy. To get the most flavor.
Kielbasa Sausage: Adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor. That pairs well with the other meats. Searing it in the pot first. Enhances its taste.
Ground Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend. For a good balance of flavor. And texture. The beef adds heartiness to the stew.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the base of the stew. Providing depth. And enhancing the overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent. Giving the stew a rich. And hearty consistency.
Baked Beans: The sweetness of the baked beans. Balances the savory flavors of the meats. And spices.
Green Chilies: These add a mild heat. And a subtle tang. Making the stew more dynamic.
Russet Potatoes: A hearty addition. That soaks up all the flavors. While adding substance to the dish.
Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness. And color as a garnish.
Steps To Make Cowboy Stew:
Step 1: Start by cooking the chopped bacon. In a large pot over medium heat. Until it’s brown. And crispy. Use a slotted spoon. To transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Leaving the drippings in the pot.
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Step 2: In the same pot. Brown the kielbasa sausage slices on both sides. Taking care not to burn the fond (the flavorful brown bits) at the bottom of the pot. Once browned. Remove the sausage. And set it aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned. And the onions are soft, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Over the beef mixture. Stir well. And cook for about a minute. To remove the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Pour in the diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and water. Stir everything together. And bring the stew to a boil.
Step 6: Once boiling. Reduce the heat to low. And cover the pot. Let the stew simmer. For about an hour, stirring occasionally. Until the potatoes are tender.
Step 7: If the stew thickens too much. Add a bit more water. Once done, garnish with chopped parsley. And serve hot.
Tip:
For an even richer flavor. Consider browning the sausage slices in the bacon drippings. Before adding the ground beef. This step not only enhances the depth of flavor. But also adds more texture to your stew. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker stew. You can mash a few of the cooked potatoes. Against the side of the pot before serving. Which will naturally thicken the broth. Without the need for extra flour.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes. You can. After browning the meats and onions. Transfer everything to a slow cooker. And cook on low for 6-8 hours. Or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! While baked beans add a sweet flavor. You can substitute with kidney beans or pinto beans. If you prefer a less sweet stew.
Can this stew be frozen?
Yes, Cowboy Stew freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely. Before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer. For up to 3 months.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cowboy Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon chopped
- 2 12 oz packages of kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef 80/20
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes, including the liquid
- 2 16 oz cans of baked beans, including the liquid
- 1 7 oz can of chopped green chilies, including the liquid
- 1 15 oz can of sweet corn, including the liquid
- 2 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large pot. Cook the bacon. Until it becomes crispy. And browned. Once done. Use a slotted spoon. To transfer the bacon. To a plate lined with a paper towel. To drain off the excess grease.
- Next, add the sausage. To the remaining drippings in the pot. And brown it on both sides. Be sure to adjust the heat as necessary. To prevent the browned bits. At the bottom of the pot from burning. Once browned. Remove the sausage. And place it with the bacon.
- In the same pot. Add the ground beef. Diced onion. And minced garlic. Cook until the beef. Is fully browned. And no longer pink. Sprinkle the mixture with flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stirring to combine. And cook for about a minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, potatoes, reserved bacon, sausage, and water. Bring the stew to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low. And let it simmer, covered. For about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- If the stew thickens too much. Add a bit more water. To reach your desired consistency. Finish by garnishing. With fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
