If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, the Cowboy Stew Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with layers of savory bacon, smoky kielbasa, tender ground beef, and a colorful mix of beans, potatoes, and veggies, this stew is the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with bold flavors that bring the spirit of the Wild West right to your table. Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this Cowboy Stew Recipe hits every note of satisfying goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are deceptively simple but come together to create a stew that’s full of depth, texture, and vibrant color. Each component plays a special role, from the crispy bacon adding smokiness to the creamy baked beans providing heartiness and the fresh parsley sprinkling a bright finish.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Crisps up to add a salty, smoky foundation that brings everything to life.
- Kielbasa Sausage (2 packages, 12 ounces each, sliced 1/2 inch): Adds a robust, smoky meatiness that balances the stew beautifully.
- Ground Beef (1 1/2 pounds, 80/20): Provides a juicy, meaty base with just enough fat to keep the stew rich.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Brings natural sweetness and depth to every spoonful.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth and subtle heat that enhances all the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the stew and create a luscious, hearty texture.
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Essential to round out and amplify all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle, spicy kick that wakes up your palate.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle southwestern flair that ties all the ingredients together.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces, with liquid): Contribute tangy freshness and a touch of acidity.
- Baked Beans or Ranch Beans (2 cans, 16 ounces each, with liquid): Bring creamy texture and hearty sweetness to the stew.
- Chopped Green Chilies (1 can, 7 ounces, with liquid): Infuse a mild, smoky heat that brightens the dish.
- Sweet Corn (1 can, 15 ounces, with liquid): Adds bursts of natural sweetness and texture.
- Russet Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cubed 1/2 inch): Provide comforting, soft bites that soak up all the stew’s goodness.
- Water (1 cup): Essential for simmering and melding all flavors into a rich broth.
- Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Finishes the stew with a fresh and bright herbal note.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by crisping the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it turns golden and crunchy. This step is crucial because those flavorful drippings become the base for browning the other meats, layering smokiness right from the start. Once cooked, remove the bacon bits and set them aside on a paper towel to drain, preserving the rendered fat for the next step.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa Sausage
Using the flavorful bacon fat left in the pot, brown the sliced kielbasa sausage on both sides until they develop a caramelized crust. This step intensifies the smoky sausage flavor which is a signature of the dish. Once browned, remove the sausage and set aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef with Onions and Garlic
Next, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the same pot. Brown everything together, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to build richness. This mixture adds a hearty backbone to the stew and infuses it with savory depth.
Step 4: Add Flour and Spices
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef mixture, along with the salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir and cook for about a minute. This step creates a slight thickening effect and lets the spices toast just enough to release their aroma—key to giving the stew its signature depth and warmth.
Step 5: Combine the Rest of the Ingredients
Now, pour in the petite diced tomatoes (with their liquid), baked beans or ranch beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn (including their liquid), cubed potatoes, along with the cooked bacon and kielbasa. Add the cup of water to give everything a proper simmering base. Stir well to combine all those bold flavors.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the stew up to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for one hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cook time allows the potatoes to soften just right and melds all the ingredients into that trademark Cowboy Stew Recipe harmony. If the stew thickens too much, feel free to add a little more water to reach your preferred consistency.
How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stew. This vibrant green herb adds a burst of color and a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, smoky flavors simmered inside. It’s a simple touch that elevates the dish visually and in taste.
Side Dishes
This stew is sturdy and filling on its own but shines even brighter when paired with rustic cornbread, butter-slathered dinner rolls, or a crisp green salad. These sides complement the stew’s rich flavors and add texture and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Cowboy Stew Recipe in individual bread bowls by hollowing out round loaves of crusty bread. It’s not only charming but also doubles as an edible side. Alternatively, top each serving with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream to bring creamy richness and tang to every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Cowboy Stew Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen and improve overnight—perfect for planned leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze the stew in portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage. Avoid microwaving for too long in one stretch to keep the ingredients tender and the flavors fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in the Cowboy Stew Recipe?
Definitely! While kielbasa is traditional for its smoky flavor, you can substitute with smoked sausage, andouille, or even chorizo depending on your taste preferences.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The stew has a mild warmth from chili powder and green chilies but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can add more chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce if you prefer more kick.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown your meats and veggies first on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for baked beans if I don’t have any?
If baked beans aren’t available, you can use canned kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans. Keep in mind it might slightly alter the sweetness and texture but will still be delicious.
Is this stew gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour as a thickener, which contains gluten. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken without gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Stew Recipe is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full hearts. Its rich, smoky, and comforting flavors make it perfect for any chilly day or when you simply want something deliciously satisfying. Give it a try—this stew is sure to become a favorite you’ll turn to again and again.
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 combines smoky bacon, spicy kielbasa, ground beef, and a medley of vegetables and beans simmered to perfection. With a blend of savory spices and a comforting one-pot cooking method, it makes an ideal meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
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 and 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
Seasonings and Others
- 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. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Using the bacon drippings left in the pot, brown the kielbasa sausage slices on both sides until they develop a nice sear. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside with the bacon.
- Cook Beef and Aromatics: In the same pot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine and slightly thicken the mixture.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with liquid), baked beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn (with liquid), peeled and cubed russet potatoes, cooked bacon, browned kielbasa sausage, and 1 cup of water into the pot. Stir everything together.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add additional water as needed to maintain your desired stew consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the stew with chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch. Serve hot with your favorite bread or cornbread, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the chili powder according to your spice tolerance.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the amount of water or simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
- You can substitute kielbasa sausage with smoked sausage or chorizo for different flavor variations.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry instead of all-purpose flour.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
