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
Scale
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.
