Cowboy Stew Recipe

Cowboy Stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or a hearty meal after a long day of outdoor activities. This dish combines tender beef, savory vegetables, beans, and a rich tomato broth that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a one pot wonder that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and provides a filling meal that satisfies both big appetites and small ones alike.

Description

Cowboy Stew recipe is a classic, hearty dish that takes inspiration from rustic western flavors. With tender chunks of beef, robust vegetables, and flavorful beans simmered in a rich tomato based broth, this cowboy stew recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels like home.

The key to an amazing Cowboy Stew recipe is in the slow simmering process. As the ingredients meld together, the flavors deepen, creating a savory and filling meal. This stew is the perfect choice for chilly nights, backyard cookouts, or when you need a dish that’ll satisfy everyone at the table.

One of the best parts of this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can customize the ingredients to your preferences or what you have on hand. Add more vegetables, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or use different types of beans to change things up. No matter how you make it, Cowboy Stew recipe will always deliver a comforting, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or cubed stew beef)
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup carrots, diced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the ground beef (or cubed stew beef) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon if using ground beef. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
Simmer the Stew:
Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and all the beans. Stir in the potatoes, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Stew:
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the stew for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the stew does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
Adjust Seasonings:
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder for extra flavor. If you prefer a spicier stew, you can also add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Serve:
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with cornbread or crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Notes:

Meat Choices: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for other types of meat such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork. You can also use stew beef for a more hearty, chunky texture.
Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans to your cowboy stew. This recipe is very versatile!
Spice Level: If you like your stew on the spicier side, feel free to add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Make Ahead: Cowboy stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
For a Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the potatoes in the pot with the back of a spoon, or you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the broth.