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
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 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.
