This Cowboy Stew Recipe is loaded with bacon, kielbasa, ground beef, beans, corn, and potatoes in a rich, savory broth. I first made this on a cold Sunday afternoon when I needed something that would feed a crowd and taste like it had been simmering all day. My neighbor Charlotte came over just as I was ladling it into bowls, and the smell of bacon and chili powder filled the whole house. She grabbed a spoon and took a taste straight from the pot. "This is what I imagine cowboys ate around a campfire," she said, laughing.
For more cozy meals, try my Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, and Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges.
Why You will Love This Cowboy Stew
You'll love this cowboy stew recipe because it's a complete meal in one pot with minimal cleanup. The three meats add depth and richness, and the beans and potatoes soak up all the flavors as they simmer. It's easy to make, doesn't require any fancy ingredients, and feeds a crowd. You can make it ahead, freeze leftovers, or even throw it in a slow cooker. It's perfect for cold weather, game day gatherings, or any time you want something warm and comforting that feels like home.
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Cowboy Stew Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for this hearty, flavorful stew.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Bacon: Chopped and cooked until crispy. The bacon fat adds a smoky base to the stew and flavors everything that cooks after it.
- Kielbasa sausage: Cut into slices and browned in the bacon drippings. Kielbasa adds a smoky, garlicky flavor that's essential to the stew.
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 for the best flavor and richness. Leaner beef can make the stew dry.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a sharp, savory flavor that ties the meats and spices together.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew and gives it a rich, hearty texture.
- Salt, black pepper, and chili powder: Season the beef and add a subtle kick of heat.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Break down faster and blend into the stew. Crushed tomatoes work too if that's what you have.
- Baked beans or ranch-style beans: Baked beans add sweetness, while ranch-style beans are more savory. Use the liquid from the can for extra flavor.
- Chopped green chilies: Add a mild heat and tangy flavor without being overpowering.
- Sweet corn: Use canned corn with the liquid. It adds sweetness and texture.
- Russet potatoes: Peeled and cubed, they absorb the flavors and make the stew more filling.
- Water: Helps create the broth and keeps the stew from getting too thick.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, herby finish for garnish.
HOW TO MAKE Cowboy Stew
Follow these steps for a rich, flavorful cowboy stew.
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it's brown and crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels. Set aside.
- Cook the sausage: Add the kielbasa slices to the pot with the bacon drippings. Brown them on both sides, adjusting the heat to avoid burning the fond (the browned bits on the bottom of the pot). Remove the sausage and set it aside with the bacon.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the beef. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and thicken the mixture.
- Combine stew ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, cubed potatoes, cooked bacon, and browned sausage to the pot. Pour in 1 cup of water and stir everything together.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more water.
- Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread if you like.
Substitutions and Variations
If you don't have kielbasa, use smoked sausage or andouille. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, though it won't be as rich. For a less sweet version, use ranch-style beans instead of baked beans. If you want more vegetables, add diced bell peppers, celery, or carrots. For extra heat, use diced jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also make this in a slow cooker by browning the meats first, then transferring everything to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Equipment
- You'll need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook everything in one place.
- A slotted spoon helps you remove the bacon and sausage without the grease.
- Grab a knife and cutting board for prepping the vegetables and meats, a spoon for stirring, and a ladle for serving.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cowboy stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better after a day or two. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it's too thick. You can also freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This stew is a meal on its own, but you can serve it with cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad or coleslaw adds a fresh contrast. For more hearty comfort food, try my Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas, Red Velvet Brownies for dessert, or Chocolate Chip Cookies for a sweet finish. It's perfect for feeding a crowd, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Expert Tips
Don't skip any of the three meats. The bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef all add different flavors and make the stew rich and complex. Use the liquid from the canned beans and corn for extra flavor and to help create the broth. Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking, and adjust the consistency by adding water if it gets too thick. For the best flavor, let the stew sit for 10 minutes after cooking before serving so the flavors have time to settle.
FAQ
Cowboy stew is made with bacon, kielbasa, ground beef, beans, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and spices. It's a hearty, one-pot meal with bold, smoky flavors.
Cowboy soup is similar to cowboy stew and typically includes ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and vegetables in a savory broth. Some versions use sausage or bacon for extra flavor.
Cowboy stew is hearty and filling but high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the meats and canned ingredients. You can make it lighter by using leaner meats and draining excess fat.
A Cowboy Stew recipe is rustic, hearty, and made with simple, filling ingredients like meat, beans, and potatoes. It's designed to be satisfying and easy to cook over a campfire or in one pot.
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Cowboy Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bacon in a large stockpot over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Add kielbasa slices to the bacon drippings and brown on both sides. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until beef is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 1 minute to incorporate.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, potatoes, cooked bacon, and kielbasa. Pour in 1 cup water.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check consistency and add extra water if the stew is too thick.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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