Cowboy Stew

A Hearty and Flavorful Cowboy Stew to Warm You Up

If you’re looking for a one-pot meal that’s packed with bold flavors, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd, then you’ll love this cowboy stew with ground beef. It’s a rustic, hearty dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.

This stew is great because it combines the smoky, savory goodness of ground beef with beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and a mix of spices that will make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a campfire cookout, cowboy stew is a go-to recipe that never disappoints.

As the seasons change and the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than a big bowl of warm, comforting stew. This dish is perfect for fall and winter, but honestly, it’s delicious any time of year. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Why You’ll Love It

• One-pot wonder: Less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Packed with protein: Thanks to the combination of ground beef, sausage, and beans.
• Perfect for meal prep: It tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish.
• Easily customizable: Swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves the bold, smoky flavors of this stew.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 2 cups beef broth

Seasonings & Flavor Boosters:

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 bay leaf

Optional Garnishes:

• Shredded cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• Sour cream
• Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

This ingredient list ensures a rich, hearty stew that’s bursting with flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Having the right tools on hand will make preparing this cowboy stew even easier:

• Large pot or Dutch oven – The key to cooking a great stew is using a heavy-bottomed pot that distributes heat evenly.
• Cutting board and sharp knife – For chopping onions, garlic, potatoes, and slicing sausage.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – Ideal for stirring the ingredients and preventing burning.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To accurately measure the broth, seasonings, and other ingredients.
• Can opener – Needed for opening canned tomatoes, beans, and corn.
• Ladle – For serving the stew easily into bowls.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the best cowboy stew:

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly browned. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Toss in the diced potatoes, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto beans, and corn. Stir everything together to combine well.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and add all the seasonings—chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and the bay leaf. Stir well.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer

Increase the heat to bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, fresh parsley, or sour cream. Serve with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or cornbread on the side for an extra treat.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
• Beans: Use black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas instead of pinto beans.
• Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or butternut squash can be used for a slightly sweeter taste.
• Broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth can replace beef broth.

Variations

• Spicy Cowboy Stew: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Cheesy Cowboy Stew: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy twist.
• Tex-Mex Version: Add a can of green chilies and a teaspoon of taco seasoning.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese for added creaminess.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy with tortilla chips for a crunchy texture contrast.
• Serve over cooked rice for a heartier version.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Let the stew cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring occasionally.

FAQ

1. Can I make this stew in advance? Yes! The flavors develop even more when made ahead, making it perfect for meal prep.

2. How do I thicken the stew? Mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).

3. Can I make this stew vegetarian? Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

4. What other meats can I use? Try shredded chicken, ground pork, or even cubed beef stew meat.

5. Is this stew spicy? It has mild spice, but you can adjust by adding more or less chili powder and red pepper flakes.

6. Can I cook this in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the meat first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

7. What’s the best way to serve leftovers? Reheat and serve over rice or with fresh cornbread for a delicious meal.

8. Can I add more vegetables? Of course! Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots would be great additions.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!