Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe
Get ready to dig into a hearty bowl of comfort with this Cowboy Stew! This one-pot wonder is packed with three types of tender meat, beans, and veggies, making it a filling and delicious meal that everyone will love. The combination of smoky bacon, savory kielbasa sausage, and juicy ground beef creates a rich base, while baked beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this Cowboy Stew will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Cowboy Stew is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just one pot, you can create a flavorful dish that combines a variety of textures and tastes. The bacon and kielbasa add a smoky depth, while the green chilies give a hint of heat that complements the hearty beef and tender potatoes. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a gathering with friends, Cowboy Stew is the perfect go-to recipe. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and sure to be a hit!
Key Ingredients in Cowboy Stew
- Bacon – Adds a crispy, smoky flavor that lays the foundation for the dish’s depth.
- Kielbasa Sausage – Brings a unique smokiness that pairs perfectly with the beef and bacon.
- Ground Beef – The heart of the stew, providing a rich and hearty texture.
- Onion & Garlic – Aromatics that enhance the flavor base of the stew.
- Baked Beans – Adds a slight sweetness and thickness to the stew with their rich, saucy goodness.
- Diced Tomatoes – Offers acidity that balances the flavors while keeping the stew juicy.
- Green Chilies – Adds a mild heat that complements the stew’s smokiness.
- Sweet Corn – Provides a pop of sweetness and a pleasant texture contrast.
- Russet Potatoes – Hearty and filling, they absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Chili Powder, Salt, and Pepper – The perfect seasoning trio to bring out all the flavors.
- Parsley – A fresh garnish that adds color and a touch of earthiness.
Cooking Cowboy Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Sizzle the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon until it’s brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced kielbasa to the bacon drippings. Sauté until browned on both sides, then remove and set it aside with the bacon.
- Cook the Beef and Aromatics: Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Brown the beef until it is no longer pink, stirring to combine the ingredients and release their flavors.
- Build the Flavor Base: Sprinkle the flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture, stirring well. Let the flour cook for a minute to thicken the stew.
- Combine the Main Ingredients: Add the canned tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, corn, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and a cup of water. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer Until Perfect: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about an hour. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Recipe Tips for Cowboy Stew Success
- Bacon Love: If you want extra smokiness, use a hickory or applewood-smoked bacon.
- Customize Your Beans: Don’t hesitate to swap the baked beans for ranch-style beans if you prefer a less sweet taste.
- Kick Up the Heat: Want more spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Thicken Up: For a thicker stew, mash a few of the potatoes with a fork and stir them back into the pot.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with crusty bread or a side of cornbread to soak up every last drop.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to mix things up! Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You could also add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra veggies, or even throw in some shredded cheese at the end for a creamy twist. If you’re a fan of spice, jalapeños are a great addition, too!
Storing Your Cowboy Stew Leftovers
Leftovers are perfect for busy days! Store any remaining stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and warm gently over medium heat. You can also freeze Cowboy Stew for up to three months. Simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Enjoy this rich, satisfying Cowboy Stew anytime you need a comforting and delicious meal!
Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 80/20
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 2 medium russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 12-ounce packages kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, with liquid
- 2 16-ounce cans baked beans, with liquid
- 1 7-ounce can chopped green chilies, with liquid
- 1 15-ounce can sweet corn, with liquid
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is browned and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the bacon drippings in the pot. Brown the sausage on both sides, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent burning the fond (the browned bits at the bottom of the pot). Transfer the sausage to the plate with the bacon and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture. Stir well and continue to cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the petite diced tomatoes, baked beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn, cubed potatoes, cooked bacon, browned sausage, and water to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- If the stew is too thick, add additional water to achieve the desired consistency.