Cowboy Stew

If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, look no further than this Cowboy Stew. It’s the kind of meal that brings family and friends together, perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings. With a robust blend of flavors and a medley of wholesome ingredients, this stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why It’s My Go-To

Cowboy Stew is my go-to for a myriad of reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a fantastic fridge-cleaning recipe. Additionally, the combination of ground beef and kielbasa gives it a rich, smoky flavor that’s simply irresistible. It’s filling, nutritious, and offers a taste of the great outdoors right from your kitchen.

What’s in the Bowl

This Cowboy Stew is loaded with wholesome ingredients that make it both delicious and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus additional as needed
• 13 ounces kielbasa, cut into ½-inch-thick coins
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, diced into ½-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth, divided
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups diced butter potatoes (about 7 small potatoes)
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney or pinto beans
• 1 (13-ounce) bag frozen mixed peas and corn
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment Breakdown

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather a few key pieces of equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering your stew evenly.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and preventing the ingredients from sticking.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping the vegetables and meats.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient ratios.

Directions: Cowboy Stew

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step directions for delicious Cowboy Stew:

Step 1: Sauté the Meats

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the kielbasa coins and cook until they’re browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, and return the kielbasa to the pot.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables

Next, add the diced onion, carrots, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in 2 cups of the low-sodium beef broth and the crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 5: Add Potatoes and Beans

Now, add the diced butter potatoes and the drained kidney or pinto beans. Pour in the remaining 2 cups of beef broth. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Step 6: Simmer

Let the Cowboy Stew simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. If you’re using frozen peas and corn, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the stew is ready, serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy it as is or with some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Better-for-You Options

Looking to make this Cowboy Stew a bit healthier? Here are some options:

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of lean ground beef for a lighter protein.
• Swap the kielbasa for turkey sausage or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version.
• Increase the vegetable content by adding spinach or kale towards the end of cooking.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of butter potatoes for added nutrients.

Chef’s Rationale

The beauty of Cowboy Stew lies in its adaptability. You can easily swap ingredients based on your dietary needs or what’s in your pantry. The combination of spices is pivotal; chili powder and cumin offer a warm, earthy flavor that elevates the dish. Plus, the depth from both the ground beef and kielbasa creates a satisfying base that is hard to resist. This stew is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in those veggies, making it a wholesome choice for families.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

Cowboy Stew is a fantastic meal prep option! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get better as it sits. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

• Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
• This stew also freezes well; simply portion it into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reader Questions

Can I make Cowboy Stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meats and sauté the vegetables first for added flavor, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What can I serve with Cowboy Stew?

This stew is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs wonderfully with cornbread, a fresh salad, or even over rice for a filling meal.

Can I use different beans?

Yes! You can substitute kidney beans with pinto beans, black beans, or even white beans, depending on your preference.

Is Cowboy Stew spicy?

This Cowboy Stew has a mild spice level due to the chili powder. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños!

Healthy-ish Favorites

For more delicious recipes that are perfect for a cozy night in, check out these healthy-ish favorites:

• One Pot Beef Taco Pasta
• Texas Trash Dip With Meat
• Hearty Beef Barley Soup

That’s a Wrap

Cowboy Stew is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and warmth to any table. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s bound to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, gather around the stove, and enjoy the delightful process of making this satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it up on a cozy evening at home or taking it to a potluck, this Cowboy Stew is sure to impress!