Cowboy Stew Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a soul-warming, hearty dish that fills your kitchen with incredible aroma and your belly with pure comfort, this Cowboy Stew Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine smoky bacon, tender beef, savory sausage, beans, veggies and a bold blend of spices bubbling away all in one pot—this is the kind of classic, one-and-done dinner that captures the spirit of the Old West and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Easy, deeply flavorful, and with just enough kick, this stew delivers all the cozy, rustic goodness you crave!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Cowboy Stew Recipe has a part to play! You’ll only need simple, no-fuss items, but together they create a bowl of pure magic. Each one brings something important to the table—whether it’s extra flavor, heartiness, or a pop of color.

• Bacon: Adds smoky, savory depth and an irresistible hint of crispiness—don’t skip those tasty browned bits.
• Ground beef: Provides rich, filling flavor and protein that soaks up all those spices beautifully.
• Kielbasa sausage: Sliced smoked sausage brings an irresistible, meaty chew and big bold taste.
• Yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic, it forms the veg base for the stew and enhances every bite.
• Carrots: Tender pieces give mild earthiness and a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
• Garlic: Adds a punchy, savory aroma—freshly minced is always best.
• Chili powder: Essential for that Southwest flavor; gives gentle heat and color.
• Ground cumin: Offers warm, nutty undercurrents and a cozy touch of smokiness.
• Smoked paprika: Delivers bold color and even more smoky depth—such a game-changer in this stew.
• Rotel tomatoes: These canned tomatoes with green chiles bring tang, juiciness, and a little kick.
• Pinto beans: Classic cowboy stew staple—soft, creamy, and ever-so-satisfying.
• Whole kernel corn: Sweet and bright, corn adds pop and a burst of sunny color.
• Beef broth: Ties all the flavors together and gives the stew its rich, sippable base.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy, tender, and ideal for soaking up all that goodness. (Russets can work, too, if you like!)
• Frozen peas: Tossed in at the end so they keep their color and sweetness.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every other flavor.
• Fresh parsley or cilantro: Totally optional, but a handful of chopped herbs gives a lovely finish.

How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe

Step 1: Crisp up the Bacon

Start by heating a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, then add your chopped bacon. Let it sizzle away until it turns golden and crisp, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s just right, scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Don’t wipe that pan—you’ll want to leave all those flavorful drippings behind for the next step!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sausage

Add your ground beef right into the pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s about halfway browned, toss in the sliced sausage, chopped onions, and carrots. Let everything cook together, stirring often, until the sausage is golden-brown, the beef is cooked through, and the onions turn soft and translucent. This combo gives the stew its incredible, robust foundation.

Step 3: Amp Up the Flavor with Spices

Reduce the heat to low before stirring in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Let them bloom in the hot pan for about a minute, stirring all the while. This is where the Cowboy Stew Recipe really finds its groove—the aroma will have everyone wandering into the kitchen, guaranteed.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Time to bring everything together! Pour in the Rotel tomatoes (with juices), drained pinto beans, corn, beef broth, and diced potatoes. Turn up the heat to bring it all to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat and let that stew simmer, uncovered, for about 20 to 25 minutes. The potatoes soften, flavors meld, and the whole pot transforms into classic cowboy comfort food.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Add the frozen peas last so they stay sweet and bright. Simmer just a couple minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in a bit of chopped parsley or cilantro for color. Pop that crisp bacon on top—or stir it in just before dishing up for extra smoky goodness.

How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe

Garnishes

There’s something magical about finishing your Cowboy Stew Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a handful of crumbled bacon. If you want to take it even further, try thinly sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream for creamy tang. These touches not only add a pop of color but also give each bowl a little wow factor.

Side Dishes

Warm, crusty bread is always a perfect partner for stew, especially for dunking and scooping up that savory broth. Cornbread, cheddar biscuits, or a simple leafy green salad lighten things up on the side. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve with baked potatoes or buttery rice to soak up all those rich juices.

Creative Ways to Present

This stew is made for sharing! Try serving in rustic bowls or mini cast iron skillets for a table full of personality. Pour it over rice or pile high on baked potatoes for a fun Cowboy Stew Recipe twist. Leftovers also make a fantastic loaded topping for nachos or even tucked into a savory hand pie—let your imagination run wild.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any leftover Cowboy Stew Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better—just make sure it fully cools before storing.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Ladle cooled stew into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ve got a cozy meal ready when you need it most.

Reheating

Reheat your Cowboy Stew Recipe gently on the stove over medium-low, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it thickened up a lot. Stir occasionally until steaming hot throughout. For speedier servings, microwave individual bowls in short bursts, stirring between each round for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! While Kielbasa gives a smoky, signature flavor, feel free to swap in andouille for heat, chorizo for spice, or use whatever smoked sausage your family loves.

Is there a vegetarian version of Cowboy Stew Recipe?

You bet—skip the bacon, beef, and sausage, and load up on more beans, extra vegetables, and use vegetable broth. Smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke keep things extra flavorful.

What’s the best way to make it spicier?

Keen for more heat? Add extra diced jalapeños, swap in spicy Rotel, or sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Each adjustment lets you control just how fiery your Cowboy Stew Recipe gets.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, and actually, Cowboy Stew Recipe tastes even richer after a night in the fridge! Just store in a tightly-sealed container and gently reheat when ready to serve.

What potatoes work if I don’t have Yukon Gold?

Russet potatoes are a great alternative—just peel and dice as you would Yukon Golds. Red potatoes will hold their shape, so they’re a good stand-in too.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cowboy Stew Recipe enough—it’s the ultimate bowl of hearty flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and watch it become a tried-and-true favorite at your table!

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