Cowboy stew is a hearty one-pot meal packed with smoky bacon, seasoned beef and tender potatoes. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Cowboy Stew
Cowboy stew is a hearty one-pot meal that’s great for feeding a crowd. Smoky bacon, seasoned beef and tender potatoes simmer together to create layers of flavor that’ll warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s simple to make and uses pantry staples. It’s great for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Grab a bowl and get ready for comfort food at its best!
Ingredients for Cowboy Stew
- Bacon strips: Chopped bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor. Go for turkey bacon if you want something lighter, or skip the meat and keep things vegetarian.
- Chopped onion: Onions cook down to add a sweet and savory base for the stew. Yellow onions work well, but white onions will do the trick too.
- Ground beef: This gives the stew a hearty base. Ground turkey works just as well if you want a lighter version.
- All-purpose flour: Flour helps thicken the stew so it has that cozy, satisfying texture. Use your favorite gluten-free flour if gluten is a concern.
- Garlic: A little minced garlic brings a burst of flavor to the mix. You can use garlic powder if you’re out of fresh cloves, but fresh is always best.
- Chili powder: Tis spice adds warmth and a bit of smoky heat. You can adjust it based on how much spice you like.
- Smoked paprika: This brings in a rich and smoky flavor that compliments the bacon and sausage.
- Ground cumin: Cumin gives the stew an earthy and slightly nutty flavor that balances the spices.
- Diced tomatoes: These canned tomatoes bring a fresh acidity that brightens the stew and helps create a savory broth.
- Whole kernel corn: Corn adds a nice pop of sweetness and texture to the stew, complementing the other savory ingredients.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: These add just a hint of heat for those who like a little spice. It doesn’t overpower the dish.
- Baked beans: The sweetness from baked beans thickens the stew and adds a hearty texture, making it extra comforting.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Golds are tasty additions that are creamy and keep their shape. Russet potatoes are a good alternative if that’s what you have on hand.
- Smoked sausage: Chopped smoked sausage deepens the flavor with its savory richness. Kielbasa or spicy chorizo are great swaps if you want something different.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth: This broth pulls everything together with its rich flavor. It also keeps the stew from getting too salty.
Directions
Step 1: Crisp the bacon
In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Set it aside for later.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Add the chopped onion to the bacon drippings, cooking for four to five minutes until softened. Stir in the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for seven to nine minutes, until the beef is no longer pink.
Step 3: Add the seasonings and flour
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle the flour, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt and pepper over the meat. Stir everything together, letting the flavors meld for about a minute.
Step 4: Add the veggies and sausage
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles (with the juice), baked beans, cubed potatoes, sausage and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to keep everything cooking evenly. Stir the crispy bacon back into the stew once the potatoes are tender. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy!
Cowboy Stew Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or dash of hot sauce if you like extra heat.
- Go vegetarian: Swap the ground beef and sausage for plant-based meat crumbles or a veggie sausage substitute.
- Use different beans: You can use pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans if you prefer them over baked beans.
How to Store Cowboy Stew
To store your leftover cowboy stew, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Then you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through.
How long does cowboy stew last?
Cowboy stew will last for four days in the refrigerator if stored properly. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh.
Cowboy Stew Tips
How can I make cowboy stew thicker?
To make the stew thicker, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
Can I prepare cowboy stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and cooking the bacon, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for six to eight hours.
What should I serve with cowboy stew?
Cowboy stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread, cornbread for dipping or a simple side salad
Texas Cowboy Stew
Ingredients
- 6 bacon strips, chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) baked beans
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, chopped
- 1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
Directions
- In a Dutch oven, cook bacon until crisp over medium heat, 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add onion to the bacon drippings; cook until tender, 4-5 minutes. Add ground beef; cook over medium heat until no longer pink, 7-9 minutes, breaking into crumbles. Stir in flour, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt and pepper, cook one minute longer. Stir in diced tomatoes with juice, corn, diced tomatoes and green chiles with juice, baked beans, potatoes, sausage and beef broth.
- Bring to a simmer; cook, covered, 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Garnish with cooked bacon.