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Cowboy Stew Recipe

Looking for the ultimate hearty, comforting meal? My cowboy stew is part beef stew, part chili, and 100% DELICIOUS! Packed with three types of meat and wholesome veggies, this dish is guaranteed to have your family asking for seconds.

If you love rich, satisfying stews, this one’s for you! Think of it as the ultimate mashup of your favorite recipes, like pork stew and slow-cooker beef stew, but taken to the next level with beans, veggies, and bold flavors.

Why stop there? Cowboy stew is all about versatility—feel free to toss in some shredded chicken or whatever you’ve got on hand. This recipe embraces every ingredient!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Packed with tender, juicy meats.
  • A true one-pot wonder for easy cleanup.
  • A surefire crowd-pleaser with bold, hearty flavors.

Ingredients

  • Meats: Bacon, Kielbasa Sausage, Ground Beef.
  • Veggies: Onion, Garlic, Potatoes, Sweet Corn.
  • Flavor Essentials: Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper, Parsley.
  • Add-Ins: Canned Diced Tomatoes, Green Chilies, Baked Beans.

How to Make Cowboy Stew

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, crisp up your bacon and set it aside.
  2. Brown the Kielbasa: Add the sausage to the pot and cook until golden, then set aside.
  3. Cook the Beef Mixture: Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned. Sprinkle with flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder, then cook for another minute.
  4. Build the Stew: Add tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, potatoes, and all your meats back to the pot. Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.

For crockpot instructions or tips on storing, freezing, and reheating, check the notes below.

Recipe Tips

  • Beans: Prefer less sweetness? Swap the baked beans for ranch-style beans for a smoky twist.
  • Corn: Use sweet corn (not plain canned corn) to elevate the natural flavors.
  • Customizations: Want extra veggies or shredded chicken? Go ahead and toss them in!

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Thin with water when reheating.
  • Freeze: Skip the potatoes before freezing to prevent texture issues. Add canned potatoes when reheating.

Serving Suggestions
Pair your cowboy stew with classic sides like cornbread, biscuits, or a refreshing broccoli salad. For a sweet finish, try my Bo Berry biscuits!

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Ready to dig in? Cowboy stew is the hearty, flavor-packed meal your family will love. Let’s get cooking!

Cowboy Stew Recipe
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Cowboy Stew Recipe

Recipe by snackonmeat
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Dinner is served! My Cowboy Stew brings together three types of tender meat, hearty beans, and wholesome veggies in a single pot. This flavor-packed meal is sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

  • 2 (12-ounce) packages kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 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

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Directions

  • Cook the Bacon:
  • Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until browned and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Brown the Sausage:
  • Add the kielbasa slices to the pot with the bacon drippings. Cook until browned on both sides, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent the fond (brown bits at the bottom) from burning. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the bacon.
  • Cook the Beef Mixture:
  • In the same pot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
  • Season and Thicken:
  • Sprinkle the cooked beef with flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir to coat evenly, cooking for 1 minute to develop flavor.
  • Assemble the Stew:
  • Add the diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, potatoes, cooked bacon, and sausage to the pot. Pour in 1 cup of water and stir to combine.
  • Simmer:
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Finish and Serve:
  • Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. If the stew is too thick, add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.