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Cowboy Stew

Hearty Cowboy Stew: A Comforting Family Favorite at Home

This Cowboy Stew is a hearty one-pot meal featuring savory meats and vibrant vegetables, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 8 oz Chopped Bacon Feel free to substitute with pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
  • 12 oz Kielbasa Sausage Consider using chorizo for a spicier alternative.
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20) Swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner stew.
For the Veggies
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots can be used for a milder taste.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • 14.5 oz Canned Petite Diced Tomatoes Crushed tomatoes are a suitable substitute.
  • 4 oz Canned Chopped Green Chiles Opt for fresh chiles for a more robust taste.
  • 15 oz Canned Sweet Corn Frozen sweet corn is an excellent alternative.
  • 2 medium Russet Potatoes Diced; Yukon Gold will offer a creamier texture.
For the Base
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free options can be used if needed.
  • 4 cups Water Low-sodium beef broth enhances overall flavor.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste preferences.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder Imparts a mild heat; paprika is a milder option.
For the Bulk
  • 15 oz Canned Baked Beans or Ranch Beans Adds sweetness and substance.
For Garnish
  • ¼ cup Chopped Parsley Can be omitted for a simpler finish.

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cowboy Stew
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
  2. In the same pot with the rendered bacon fat, add the kielbasa sausage. Brown the sausage on both sides for about 3–4 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage and place it with the bacon.
  3. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onion is softened.
  4. Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the meat and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chiles, corn, diced potatoes, and reserved bacon and sausage. Stir everything together to combine.
  6. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  7. After simmering, check the consistency of the stew. If it's too thick, stir in additional water until desired thickness is reached. Ladle the Cowboy Stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store Cowboy Stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

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