Cowboy Stew

Cowboy stew is a hearty, robust one‑pot meal featuring ground beef, bacon, kielbasa sausage, beans, potatoes, corn and a tomato‑based broth spiced with chili powder and cumin.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s rustic comfort food at its finest: easy to make, rich in flavor, feed-a-crowd quantity, and tastes even better as leftovers. Plus, it pairs beautifully with cornbread.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Bacon, chopped
• Smoked kielbasa sausage
• Ground beef
• Yellow onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• All‑purpose flour
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt & black pepper
• Chicken or beef broth
• Canned ranch‑style or chili beans (undrained)
• Canned diced tomatoes with green chilis
• Whole kernel corn (undrained)
• Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Optional: frozen mixed vegetables, parsley garnish

directions

1. In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, remove and set aside.

2. Add sliced sausage to the drippings, brown briefly, then remove.

3. Add ground beef, onion, garlic; cook until beef is browned. Stir in flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Stir in broth, beans with liquid, tomatoes with liquid, corn, potatoes. Return bacon and sausage to the pot.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender and stew thickens (~1 hour), stirring occasionally.

Servings and timing

Yield: 8–10 servings (about 6–10 bowls)
Prep time: ~35 minutes; Cook time: ~1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes; Total time: ~1 h 35 min Olivia AdrianceRachel Schultz+11The Pioneer Woman+11Laughing Spatula+11Allrecipes+1Allrecipes+1Simply RecipesI Am Homesteader+1100krecipes.com+1The Cookie Rookie®

Variations

• Use ground turkey or omit bacon for leaner version.
• Substitute other sausage (andouille, chorizo).
• Add more vegetables—bell peppers, leeks, carrots, peas.
• Spice it up with cayenne or smoked paprika for added depth.

storage/reheating

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simmer on stove or microwave with a splash of water or broth. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before heating.

FAQs

What beans should I use?

Ranch‑style beans or chili beans with liquid add sweetness and flavor.

Can I use only one type of meat?

Yes—use ground beef or sausage alone, though flavor will vary.

Is flour necessary?

Flour helps thicken the broth; you can skip it or use cornstarch.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes—brown meats first, then transfer to slow cooker and simmer 4–6 hours on low.

Can it be made gluten‑free?

Use cornstarch instead of flour and confirm your broth is gluten‑free.

What’s the best side dish?

Cornbread or crusty bread works well to soak up the broth.

Can leftovers be frozen?

Yes—freeze up to three months in sealed containers.

How do I reduce sodium?

Use low‑sodium beans or drain canned beans and add water or unsalted broth.

Can I add cheese on top?

Yes—shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack can be stirred in or served on top.

How spicy is it?

Mild to medium; adjust chili powder or add hot sauce to taste.

Conclusion

Cowboy Stew brings together hearty meats, beans, vegetables and spices in a comforting, crowd‑pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to adapt and ideal for leftovers, it’s a kitchen staple worth making again and again.

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