Cowboy Stew

Cowboy Stew is a hearty and rustic dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with savory ground beef, smoked sausage, and a variety of beans and vegetables, this stew is sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Stew is a great choice when you want a filling and flavorful meal that’s both easy to prepare and budget-friendly. It combines meat, beans, and veggies in a single pot, making it a convenient and nutritious option for a family dinner. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be adapted with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

How to Make Cowboy Stew

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef 🥩
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced 🌭
• 1 medium onion, chopped 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed 🫘
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 🫘
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained 🌽
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce 🍅
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies 🌶️
• 2 cups beef broth 🥣
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon cumin 🌿
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and smoked sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth.
4. Season: Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cowboy Stew

Serve Cowboy Stew hot from the pot. It’s perfect on its own or with a side of crusty bread or cornbread. You can also top it with fresh cilantro or shredded cheese for extra flavor.

How to Store Cowboy Stew

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Cowboy Stew

• Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the beans or use a thickening agent like cornstarch.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies to control the heat level of the stew.

Variation

You can make this stew with different types of beans or switch the smoked sausage for chorizo for a spicier kick. Adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can also change up the flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use different meats? Yes, you can use different types of meats, like chicken or pork, instead of beef and sausage.

2. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Yes, you can transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. Can I skip the red wine? Yes, if you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth or water.

4. How can I make this stew spicier? Add more chili powder, hot sauce, or jalapeños to increase the spice level to your taste.