Cowboy Stew Recipe

This Cowboy Stew recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with ground beef, smoked Kielbasa sausage, bacon, vegetables, and savory spices. Perfect for cooler weather, this stew is easy to make in a Dutch oven or large pot, combining pinto beans, corn, Yukon Gold potatoes, and peas in a rich, flavorful broth. With a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this cowboy stew is a perfect choice for any occasion. Easy cowboy stew recipe, beef stew with sausage, hearty stew with potatoes, family-friendly dinner idea.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Kielbasa sausage (or any smoked sausage), sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 (10 oz) cans Rotel tomatoes
• 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (see notes)
• 3/4 cup frozen peas
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Brown Beef & Sausage: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the sliced Kielbasa sausage, chopped onions, and carrots. Continue to cook over medium-high heat until the ground beef is fully browned and the onions have softened.
3. Add Spices: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, to release the aromas of the spices.
4. Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth: Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, pinto beans, corn, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat and simmer.
5. Cook Potatoes & Add Peas: Once the stew is simmering, add the diced potatoes and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Season & Serve: Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Tips

• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili powder and smoked paprika or omit the Rotel tomatoes for a less spicy stew.
• Make it Heartier: For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot to create a creamier texture.
• Freezer-Friendly: This Cowboy Stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Sausage: Swap the Kielbasa for any type of smoked sausage or even fresh sausage if you prefer.
• Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner option, replace the ground beef with ground turkey.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes.

FAQs

• Can I use other beans? Yes! You can substitute the pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans if you prefer.
• What can I use instead of Yukon Gold potatoes? Any waxy potatoes, such as red potatoes, work well in this stew.
• Can I use fresh corn instead of canned? Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels will add a nice, sweet crunch to the stew.

Serving Suggestions

• With Crusty Bread: Serve this Cowboy Stew with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
• Over Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the stew over a bed of rice.
• With a Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the stew.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Stew is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for cooler weather. It’s packed with flavor from the smoky Kielbasa sausage, seasoned beef, and savory spices. The combination of vegetables, beans, and potatoes creates a filling and satisfying dish that’s both easy to make and great for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a family meal, this recipe is sure to please everyone!

Cowboy Stew Recipe

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 lb Kielbasa sausage (or any smoked sausage), sliced

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 2 (10 oz) cans Rotel tomatoes

• 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (see notes)

• 3/4 cup frozen peas

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)

Directions

• Cook Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
• Brown Beef & Sausage: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the sliced Kielbasa sausage, chopped onions, and carrots. Continue to cook over medium-high heat until the ground beef is fully browned and the onions have softened.
• Add Spices: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, to release the aromas of the spices.
• Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth: Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, pinto beans, corn, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat and simmer.
• Cook Potatoes & Add Peas: Once the stew is simmering, add the diced potatoes and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Season & Serve: Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.