If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings together the best of smoky meats, tender vegetables, and rich spices, this Cowboy Stew Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a true classic that combines bacon, kielbasa, ground beef, beans, and fresh potatoes simmered together into a thick, savory stew. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers, this Cowboy Stew Recipe balances bold flavors and satisfying textures in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cowboy Stew Recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients that each shine in their own way, creating a stew full of depth and heartiness. Every item plays a key role, from the smoky bacon that adds a crispy undertone to the tender potatoes that soak up all the savory juices.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds a smoky, savory foundation that infuses the stew with incredible flavor.
- Kielbasa sausage (14 ounces, sliced): Brings a juicy, slightly spicy, and meaty richness to the dish.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 90% lean): Provides a hearty, protein-packed base for the stew’s meaty goodness.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks down with the beef.
- Green bell pepper (1, chopped): Gives a fresh, slightly earthy crunch and balances the richness.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (3 medium, cubed): Bring creamy texture and help thicken the stew naturally.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Lifts the flavor with its pungent and fragrant kick.
- Kidney beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Add creaminess, fiber, and earthiness.
- Black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Complement the kidney beans with a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Petite diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Bring acidity and a burst of color that livens up the stew.
- Canned whole-kernel corn (15 ounces, drained): Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant texture.
- Low-sodium beef broth (4 cups): Creates the savory soup base that ties everything together.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the stew for a luscious, smooth consistency.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Provides warm, smoky spice for character.
- Kosher salt (1½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and depth.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and let it fry until it turns crispy and golden. This step builds the stew’s smoky backbone. Once crisp, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot, discarding any excess for a balanced fat level.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Next, add the sliced kielbasa to the pot with the reserved bacon grease. Cook until each side is browned and caramelized, which locks in the sausage’s savory juices and adds a lovely sear flavor. Then set the sausage aside with the cooked bacon, ready to join the stew later.
Step 3: Sauté Ground Beef and Vegetables
Into the same pot, toss in the ground beef along with the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Break up the ground meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step should take you until the beef is fully browned and the onions soften and become translucent, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 4: Add Flour and Spices
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper over the beef and vegetables. Stir continuously for about a minute, allowing the flour to absorb all the juices and coat the ingredients without any dry spots. This thickens the stew base and ensures perfectly blended seasoning.
Step 5: Combine Beans, Vegetables, and Broth
Now it’s time for the heart of the stew: add in the drained kidney beans and black beans, petite diced tomatoes, corn, cubed potatoes, beef broth, and the cooked bacon and kielbasa. Stir everything together well, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and all the flavors have melded into a rich, satisfying stew.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When your Cowboy Stew Recipe is bubbling with flavor and perfectly thickened, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a little pop of color and freshness. Ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy a wonderfully comforting meal!
How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but effective garnish that adds brightness and a touch of color contrast. For an extra indulgent touch, a dollop of sour cream or shredded sharp cheddar cheese can add creamy layers of richness that meld beautifully with the spicy, smoky stew.
Side Dishes
This Cowboy Stew pairs perfectly with rustic sides like warm, crusty bread or soft corn muffins to soak up every drop. A crisp green salad or coleslaw can balance the hearty richness with fresh crunch and tanginess, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve the stew in small cast iron skillets or mini bread bowls for a charming individual presentation. You can also top each bowl with crushed tortilla chips to add an unexpected but delightful crunch and texture contrast that complements the stew’s smoky depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Stew keeps incredibly well in the fridge. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the next-day meal even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this stew freezes beautifully. Cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without loss of flavor or texture, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway for even heating. This stewing dish holds up wonderfully to reheating without drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this Cowboy Stew Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef, and consider adding extra beans or a hearty vegetable like mushrooms to keep the stew satisfying. Use vegetable broth to maintain robust flavor.
What can I use instead of kielbasa?
Any smoky or spicy sausage works well as a substitute, such as andouille or chorizo. If you want a milder flavor, go for smoked turkey sausage or omit it entirely for a simpler stew.
How spicy is this Cowboy Stew Recipe?
The chili powder adds warmth but not overwhelming heat, making this stew friendly for most palates. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne if you prefer it spicier.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Yes, just brown the meats and sauté the veggies first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
What cut of potatoes works best?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this stew due to their creamy texture and ability to hold shape during cooking, but red potatoes or russets can work well as substitutes.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Stew Recipe is one of those satisfying dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Its blend of smoky meats, tender veggies, and hearty beans makes it a meal that’s both simple to prepare and deeply flavorful. I cannot wait for you to try it and add your own twist. Trust me, this will become a staple in your recipe collection for cozy dinners and happy gatherings.
Print
Cowboy Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hearty and flavorful Cowboy Stew featuring a savory mix of bacon, kielbasa, ground beef, vegetables, and beans simmered in a rich beef broth. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for family dinners and is packed with protein and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Meat & Protein
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced (1 package)
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
- 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 15 ounces canned whole-kernel corn, drained (1 can)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and fry until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot, discarding any excess grease.
- Cook the sausage: In the same pot, add the sliced kielbasa sausage. Cook until browned on each side, then remove and set aside with the cooked bacon.
- Cook the beef and vegetables: Add the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon while cooking. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper over the meat and vegetables. Stir for about one minute until the flour is absorbed and no dry patches remain.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the drained kidney beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, drained corn, cut potatoes, beef broth, cooked bacon, and kielbasa sausage. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garnish and serve: Optional – sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stew before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty cowboy stew.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage if desired.
- Adjust chili powder and salt to your taste preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This stew freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
