Cowboy Stew Recipe
If you’re after a hearty, soul-satisfying one-pot wonder that brings the spirit of the wild west right into your kitchen, this Cowboy Stew Recipe is for you! Packed with smoky sausage, tender ground beef, a medley of beans, vibrant veggies, and a fiery touch of Rotel tomatoes, this stew is rustic, filling, and oh-so-comforting. Whether you’re wrangling a hungry crowd or just craving a cozy bowl after a long day, it’s the perfect comfort food to share with friends or family. Get ready to make dinnertime legendary!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cowboy Stew Recipe is all in the ingredients. Each item plays a critical role in delivering that classic, deeply savory flavor and texture you crave, while keeping things deliciously simple. Here’s what you’ll need to lasso up this crowd-pleaser:
- Ground Beef (1 pound): The foundation for a rich, meaty stew with hearty texture.
- Smoked Sausage (1/2 pound, sliced): Adds smoky, bold flavor and a chewy contrast to the ground beef.
- Medium Onion (diced): Boosts the stew’s aromatics and sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings in that irresistible savory complexity.
- Pinto Beans (15 oz can, drained and rinsed): Creamy and earthy, these beans bulk up the stew and add fiber.
- Kidney Beans (15 oz can, drained and rinsed): Offer color, protein, and a tender bite.
- Corn (15 oz can, drained): A touch of sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the pot.
- Diced Tomatoes (15 oz can, undrained): Juicy and tangy, they form the base of the stew’s saucy broth.
- Rotel (10 oz can, diced tomatoes with green chilies): Introduces a spiced, zippy note that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): Liquid gold that ties everything together and keeps it nice and hearty.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a familiar warming depth and gentle heat.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Ramps up the smoky undertones for that fireside feeling.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds earthy, fragrant richness to the stew.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Optional: Diced Potatoes, Chopped Bell Peppers, Hot Sauce: Take it up a notch with extra veggies or a touch of heat!
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by setting a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until deeply browned and fully cooked through. This first step lays down a savory, caramelized base for the stew. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease for a lighter, smoother texture.
Step 2: Add the Smoked Sausage
Toss in the sliced smoked sausage and let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for those beautiful browned edges, which pack in flavor and a subtle smoky punch that’ll shine through with every bite.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next goes in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for just 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the kitchen fills with that magical savory aroma. This step helps anchor all the flavors and creates an irresistible foundation.
Step 4: Add the Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Broth
Now it’s time to make things truly hearty! Add the pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and Rotel. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring everything gets nice and cozy in the pot. Gently stir well to combine all the ingredients for an even, chunky mixture.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it one last generous stir, then bring the stew to a lively boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let your Cowboy Stew Recipe simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens! Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve Hot!
Once the Cowboy Stew Recipe is rich and thick, ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy. It’s the ultimate comfort meal for chilly nights or hungry appetites!
How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Customize every bowl of your Cowboy Stew Recipe with your favorite toppings. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, or a handful of sliced green onions adds freshness, color, and a bit of flair. If you like a little extra kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños can do wonders.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with this chunky, savory stew than a side of warm, buttery cornbread or flaky homemade biscuits. For a classic touch, serve it over a mound of fluffy white rice to soak up all that tasty broth. Don’t forget a crisp green salad to round out the meal!
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic twist, serve your Cowboy Stew Recipe in individual cast iron bowls or bread bowls for an interactive, hearty dinner. Set up a “stew bar” with a lineup of toppings and sides so everyone can build their dream bowl. Leftovers make fantastic loaded baked potato fillings or nacho toppings for a fun Tex-Mex spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Stew Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to four days, and you’ll likely find the flavors deepen and meld together even more after a night in the fridge.
Freezing
This stew was made for freezing! Ladle cooled Cowboy Stew Recipe into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags (remember to leave some room for expansion). It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour your portion of Cowboy Stew Recipe into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and use medium power to avoid splatters and preserve those lovely textures. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen things up.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meats first, then load everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The flavors deepen wonderfully, and it’s a fuss-free way to feed a crowd.
What variations can I try?
Get creative! Swap in ground turkey or chicken, use black or navy beans instead, or toss in extra veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach. Adjust the seasonings to make it your own signature stew.
Is Cowboy Stew Recipe gluten-free?
If you choose gluten-free beef broth and smoked sausage, this recipe can absolutely be gluten-free. Always check the labels to be sure.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes work in a pinch, especially during tomato season — just dice and add with the juices. If you want that zesty kick, add a fresh chili pepper or two for some heat.
How can I make it spicier?
Spice fans can add extra Rotel, chopped jalapeños, a bit more chili powder, or hot sauce while cooking (or in your bowl at the table). Let your heat tolerance be your guide!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about gathering around a big pot of Cowboy Stew Recipe with loved ones. It’s rustic, cozy, and full of comforting flavors that never get old. Make this recipe once, and it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. So grab your ingredients and give it a try — your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
Print
Cowboy Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cowboy Stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, smoked sausage, beans, and flavorful spices for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Smoked Sausage, sliced:
1/2 pound
Onion, diced:
1 medium
Garlic, minced:
2 cloves
Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed:
1 (15 oz) can
Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed:
1 (15 oz) can
Corn, drained:
1 (15 oz) can
Diced Tomatoes, undrained:
1 (15 oz) can
Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies):
1 (10 oz) can
Beef Broth:
2 cups
Chili Powder:
1 teaspoon
Smoked Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Cumin:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Optional:
Diced Potatoes, Chopped Bell Peppers, Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Add Sausage and Aromatics: Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for another 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel, beef broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or over rice.
Notes
- For a heartier stew, add 2 diced potatoes and simmer until tender.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.
- This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker—brown the meat first, then add all ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
