If you’re in the mood for something comforting, hearty, and absolutely packed with bold flavors, this Cowboy Stew Recipe is a must-try. Imagine a pot brimming with juicy ground beef, zesty smoked sausage, tender potatoes, robust beans, and sweet corn, all brought together in a perfectly seasoned tomato broth. It’s rustic, filling, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out—exactly what you want on a chilly evening or after a busy day. This is the kind of meal everyone gathers around the table for, seconds are a given, and leftovers are prized!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cowboy Stew Recipe is how accessible and reliable the ingredients are. Every component has its own role, whether it’s layering smokiness, heartiness, or a hint of sweetness. When combined, they create a colorful, mouthwatering stew that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours.
- Ground beef: The base of the stew, bringing rich, savory depth and satisfying bites in every spoonful.
- Smoked sausage: Sliced sausage delivers an irresistible smoky note and extra texture, making the stew unforgettable.
- Onion: Chopped onion softens and melts into the broth, adding savory sweetness and aromatic flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a fragrant, earthy punch that brightens up the whole pot.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): These give juiciness and a tangy layer that balances the heartiness of the stew.
- Tomato sauce: It thickens the base, adding smooth richness and depth of color.
- Pinto beans: Mild and creamy, they up the protein and make every bite extra filling.
- Corn: Drained canned corn lends a pop of sweetness and bursts of sunshine-like color.
- Russet potato: Diced and tender, it’s the key to a true cowboy-style, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
- Beef broth: The flavorful backbone for simmering, keeping everything juicy and amped up with meaty notes.
- Chili powder: For a gentle kick and warming glow throughout the stew.
- Smoked paprika: This spice rounds everything out with subtle smokiness and a gorgeous hue.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for brightening and balancing every flavor in the pot.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Start by placing a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink. Be sure to drain off any excess fat—this keeps the stew hearty, not greasy. Next, toss in those slices of smoked sausage and give them 2–3 minutes to sizzle and brown. This step deepens the flavor and lets all that meaty aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Now, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. The onion will soften and the garlic will become wonderfully fragrant. At this point, you’re building a base of savory flavors that will mingle with every bite later on.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Beans
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, drained pinto beans, corn, and those diced russet potatoes. These ingredients are what transform the Cowboy Stew Recipe into a meal that’s bursting with color, texture, and substance.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add the beef broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch or two of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 30–35 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep everything cooking evenly. The real magic happens here—the potatoes get tender, the flavors deepen, and the broth thickens just right.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Before serving, give the stew a taste and tweak the seasonings if needed. Ladle the hot, satisfying Cowboy Stew Recipe into bowls and get ready for some serious comfort food happiness!
How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of garnish can take your Cowboy Stew Recipe to the next level. Chopped fresh parsley or green onions add fresh color and a subtle bite. For extra indulgence, try a scattering of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream—the creaminess melts into the stew and unites all those bold flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with classic cornbread or a hunk of crusty bread for dunking into that rich, robust broth. A simple green salad or pickled vegetables on the side can offer a bit of crunch and brightness, balancing out the hearty stew perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Cowboy Stew Recipe in bread bowls or over creamy mashed potatoes. You can even spoon it over steamed rice for a down-home, rib-sticking meal. Hosting a gathering? Serve the stew in a large cast iron pot, surrounded by bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their own bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Stew Recipe stores beautifully. Simply spoon cooled stew into an airtight container and tuck it into the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors seem to get even better by the next day.
Freezing
This stew shines as a make-ahead freezer meal. Let the Cowboy Stew Recipe cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers (leave a little space for expansion). It’ll be ready and waiting for cozy weeknight dinners, up to 3 months later.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew is extra thick, splash in a bit more broth to loosen it up. For microwaving, transfer an individual serving to a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts, stirring to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sausage as usual, then add them and the rest of the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. This is a great hands-off option for a busy day or when you want to walk into a house filled with the savory aroma of stew.
What other vegetables can I add?
Let your creativity guide you! Bell peppers, green chiles, jalapeños, carrots, or even diced zucchini make great additions. Just keep in mind that extra veggies may add more liquid—feel free to tweak the broth amount as needed.
Is Cowboy Stew Recipe spicy?
As written, it’s warmly spiced but not hot. If you love heat, toss in some diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to turn things up a notch.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely. Any smoked sausage works well, from kielbasa to andouille. Each lends its own character, so experiment to find your family’s favorite. Unsliced chorizo or chicken sausage can add exciting new flavors.
How do I make this stew vegetarian?
To make a meatless version, simply swap the beef and sausage for extra beans or your favorite plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and season generously so you don’t miss out on that bold, comforting flavor.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Cowboy Stew Recipe always brings smiles, full bellies, and plenty of requests for seconds. It’s the sort of meal you’ll come back to time and again, whether it’s for a family weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Grab your pot, gather your favorite people, and savor every warm, hearty spoonful!
Print
Cowboy Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cowboy Stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, smoked sausage, beans, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
For the Cowboy Stew:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly browned.
- Cook Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto beans, corn, potatoes, and beef broth. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally during cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can add bell peppers, green chiles, or jalapeños for extra flavor or heat.
- This stew also works great in a slow cooker—just brown the meat first and then cook on low for 6–7 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American – Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
