There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty, flavorful stew that warms you from the inside out on a chilly day, and this Cowboy Stew Recipe does just that. Packed with savory bacon, smoky kielbasa, tender ground beef, and a colorful medley of vegetables and beans, it brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels like a big, cozy hug. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this stew is a reliable crowd-pleaser with bold, satisfying flavors and a thick, rich texture that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, approachable ingredients come together to create the magic in this Cowboy Stew Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, lending flavor, texture, or heartiness to the dish, ensuring every spoonful is delightful.
- Bacon: Provides a smoky, crispy foundation that infuses the stew with deep flavor.
- Kielbasa sausage: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy element and a meaty texture.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes this stew filling and satisfying.
- Onion: Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat.
- Garlic: Brings an aromatic punch that elevates the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew and bind the flavors together.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient’s taste.
- Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and complexity.
- Chili powder: Infuses warmth and a mild kick to the stew.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Adds brightness and acidity to keep the stew lively.
- Baked or ranch beans: Contributes creaminess, body, and additional protein.
- Chopped green chilies: Introduces a tender, tangy zing.
- Sweet corn: Gives bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Russet potatoes: Bring heartiness and soak up the stew’s delicious juices.
- Water: Provides the necessary liquid base for simmering and melding the flavors.
- Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal notes and a vibrant garnish.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Let it brown to a perfect crispiness — this step releases those irresistible bacon fats that will flavor every element of the stew. Once cooked, remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels to keep its crunch ready for later.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa Sausage
Next, use the bacon drippings left in the pot to brown the kielbasa slices on both sides. This not only seals in the sausage’s smoky flavor but also builds a rich base layer for your stew. Once browned, set the kielbasa aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Sauté Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic
In the same pot, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. The savory aroma here is irresistible as the onions soften and the beef gets that perfect golden crust. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the mixture, stirring constantly for about a minute to blend and develop those spices.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the diced tomatoes, baked or ranch beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn, cubed potatoes, crispy bacon, browned kielbasa, and one cup of water into the pot. Turn up the heat until it reaches a boil, then reduce to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for one hour, stirring occasionally so the flavors can meld beautifully and the potatoes become tender.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Before serving, taste the stew and add more water if you’d like a thinner consistency. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to brighten both the flavor and presentation. Your Cowboy Stew Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley is classic and fresh, but you could also add shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add an extra layer of creamy richness. These garnishes turn a simple bowl into a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
Side Dishes
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm cornbread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the thick, flavorful broth. A simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast, balancing out the richness of the stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Cowboy Stew Recipe in individual bread bowls for a rustic, charming presentation. You could also try topping the stew with crunchy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips for some unexpected texture and flavor excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Stew Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it an even tastier meal when reheated.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to three months. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the stew overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until it’s piping hot throughout. You can add a splash of water if the stew has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I make this Cowboy Stew Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, extra beans, and smoked tofu or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
What can I use instead of kielbasa sausage?
If you can’t find kielbasa, smoked sausage or andouille sausage makes a great substitute and will keep that smoky, robust flavor in your stew.
How spicy is this stew?
This Cowboy Stew Recipe has a mild to moderate spice level, thanks to the chili powder and green chilies. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or using hot pepper varieties if you like it spicier.
Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meats and sauté aromatics as directed, then combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Just keep an eye on the potatoes to ensure they don’t overcook.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. In fact, freezing helps deepen the flavors, and it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like home in every bite—rich, hearty, and full of soul. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry crowd or craving a satisfying solo meal, this stew is versatile, easy to make, and utterly comforting. Give it a try and see how a simple pot of stew can quickly become your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Cowboy Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cowboy Stew is a flavorful and filling one-pot meal featuring a mix of smoky bacon, kielbasa sausage, ground beef, vegetables, and beans. Slow-simmered to meld all the savory ingredients together, this stew is perfect for a comforting dinner that feeds a crowd with its rich, robust taste and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
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 & 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
Seasonings & Other
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat and set aside.
- Brown Kielbasa: Using the bacon drippings left in the pot, brown the kielbasa sausage slices on both sides. After they are nicely browned, remove them from the pot and set aside with the bacon.
- Brown Ground Beef with Aromatics: In the same pot, add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture and stir well, cooking for about 1 minute to combine flavors and thicken slightly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes (including liquid), baked beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn, peeled and cubed potatoes, cooked bacon, browned kielbasa, and water. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. Add more water as needed to maintain your desired stew consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are tender and the stew is thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the stew as a fresh garnish before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- If preferred, substitute baked beans with ranch beans for a slightly different flavor.
- Adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper can spice up the stew.
- For thicker stew, reduce the added water slightly or let it simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes.
- This stew keeps well and tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
