Cowboy Stew Recipe

Hearty, bold, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, Cowboy Stew is the ultimate comfort food that brings together smoky bacon, savory sausage, ground beef, and vibrant veggies in one big, soul-soothing pot. This one-pot wonder is packed with flavor, texture, and just the right touch of spice—making it a recipe you’ll crave all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cowboy Stew is in its straightforward camping-inspired ingredients, each working together to create layers of flavor and hearty satisfaction. Every addition brings either comfort, spice, or those “stick-to-your-ribs” vibes that make this a repeat favorite.

• Bacon: The foundation for that irresistible smoky savory flavor in every bite.
• Kielbasa Sausage: Adds a peppery punch and heartiness—be sure to brown it for extra flavor depth.
• Ground Beef (80/20): The classic cowboy staple, juicy and satisfying, gives the stew its rich texture.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics round out and deepen the entire stew with homey, familiar notes.
• All-purpose Flour: Helps thicken the broth, making it deliciously stew-like instead of soupy.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Powder: Your seasoning trio—essential for rounding out the flavors and adding warmth.
• Petite Diced Tomatoes (with liquid): Juicy, tangy, and colorful—these bring welcome brightness to the pot.
• Baked Beans or Ranch Beans: Choose baked beans for sweetness or ranch beans for a more savory kick; both offer creamy texture and bulk.
• Chopped Green Chilies: Mildly spicy and vibrant, they perk up each bite without overwhelming the stew.
• Sweet Corn: Tender kernels offer subtle sweetness and beautiful pops of color.
• Russet Potatoes: Earthy, starchy, and filling—potatoes add the signature cowboy “heft.”
• Water: The base that lets everything simmer and meld together into pure comfort food.
• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkled on top for freshness, color, and a final flourish.

Variations

One of the things I adore most about Cowboy Stew is just how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Don’t be afraid to flex what’s in your pantry or adjust the ingredients to fit your cravings, dietary needs, or what’s available.

• Swap the Sausage: Try spicy andouille for more kick, or smoked turkey sausage for a lighter twist.
• Make It Vegetarian: Omit the meat and use extra beans or plant-based meat crumbles for a hearty, meatless version.
• Add More Veggies: Sneak in bell peppers, carrots, even zucchini for extra nutrition and vibrant color.
• Adjust the Spice: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier stew, or stick to mild chilies for a family-friendly bowl.

How to Make Cowboy Stew

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Give it time to render out the fat and get golden brown and delicious. Once crisp, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate—it’ll be your crown jewel garnish at the end.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add the kielbasa slices to the bacon drippings in the same pot. Brown them well on both sides, adjusting the heat so you don’t burn those flavorful brown bits (the “fond”) on the bottom. Remove the sausage to the plate with the bacon and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Let it all brown together until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Take a moment here to scrape up those brown bits left behind—these deepen the flavor in a way nothing else can.

Step 4: Season and Thicken

Sprinkle the flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture. Stir well and let it cook for a minute—this helps the flour lose its raw taste and ensures the stew’s base is thick and luscious down the line.

Step 5: Build the Stew

Now the fun part—layer in your diced tomatoes, beans (with their liquid!), green chilies, corn, potatoes, water, plus the reserved bacon and sausage. Give everything a hearty stir, scraping up every last caramelized bit from the bottom of the pot. Bring the stew just to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer and Serve

Cover the pot and let Cowboy Stew gently bubble away for about an hour, stirring occasionally. The potatoes will become wonderfully tender, flavors will meld, and the whole kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible. If the stew gets too thick, add a splash or two of water. Finish with chopped parsley and that crispy bacon for the perfect finishing touch!

How to Serve Cowboy Stew

Garnishes

A generous handful of chopped parsley brings a pop of freshness and color to each steaming bowl of Cowboy Stew. For extra flair, sprinkle on sliced green onions, a bit of shredded cheddar, or even a dollop of sour cream if you love creamy contrasts.

Side Dishes

Cowboy Stew shines alongside freshly made cornbread, crusty sourdough, or fluffy biscuits—perfect for dipping into that rich, smoky broth. You could also serve it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Cowboy Stew in individual bread bowls (kids love this!) or ladle it over baked potatoes or steamed rice for something extra filling. Mason jars work beautifully for picnics or outdoor gatherings—just bring plenty of napkins!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cowboy Stew stores beautifully! Simply let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Flavors deepen overnight, so the next day’s lunch (or midnight snack!) is even better.

Freezing

This stew freezes like a dream. Spoon portions into freezer-safe containers (leave a little space for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating to enjoy that perfect chunky texture.

Reheating

To reheat Cowboy Stew, simply warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot—add a few spoonfuls of water if it’s thickened too much. Microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, for fuss-free single servings.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Cowboy Stew becomes a treasured go-to in your kitchen just like it has in mine. There’s nothing quite like gathering around a steaming pot of this hearty, flavor-packed classic with friends or family—so grab your biggest bowl, your heartiest appetite, and get cooking!

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