Easy Cowboy Stew Recipe

Nothing says hearty comfort food quite like a warm, flavorful bowl of Cowboy Stew. Packed with ground beef, smoky kielbasa, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a medley of beans, corn, and tomatoes, this stew is a true all-in-one meal. The combination of savory meat, sweet corn, and lightly spiced broth makes it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a weekend cookout.

Inspired by classic Western-style cooking, this stew is easy to make and delivers bold, layered flavors with minimal effort. The secret is building a flavorful base with bacon drippings, browning the sausage and beef to create rich depth, and slow-simmering the stew so all the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty, filling, and packed with protein
• Combines meat, potatoes, and vegetables in one dish
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
• Sweet, savory, and mildly spiced flavor profile
• Easy to prepare with pantry staples
• A comforting, family-friendly dinner

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 8.

Meats

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 1/2 lb kielbasa sausage, cut into pieces
• 4 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables & Beans

• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 sweet yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 16-oz cans baked beans, undrained
• 1 15-oz can sweet corn
• 1 14.5-oz can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 7-oz can diced green chilies

Liquids & Seasoning

• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

All ingredients and measurements are exact to ensure consistent taste and texture.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels for draining bacon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot, cook 4 slices of chopped bacon over medium heat until brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add the kielbasa pieces to the pot with the bacon drippings. Brown evenly on all sides over medium heat, taking care not to burn the fond (the brown bits at the bottom). Once browned, transfer the sausage to the plate with the bacon.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef, diced onion, and 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened.

Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir and cook for an additional minute to incorporate the seasonings and remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add to the pot:

• Diced tomatoes
• Baked beans
• Diced green chilies
• Sweet corn
• Potatoes
• Cooked bacon and sausage
• 1 cup water

Stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Check the consistency occasionally. If the stew becomes too thick, add additional water, a little at a time, until the desired texture is reached.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the stew with 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot in bowls, allowing the hearty flavors and tender ingredients to shine.

Tips & Variations

Make It Spicier

Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or extra diced green chilies for heat.

Vegetarian Version

Omit the meats and add extra beans, lentils, or smoked tempeh for protein.

Make Ahead

Prepare up to step 4 in advance and refrigerate for a few hours. Simmer the stew just before serving.

Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This cowboy stew is:

• Savory: Rich from beef, kielbasa, and bacon
• Slightly sweet: From corn and baked beans
• Hearty: Potatoes and beans provide substance and texture
• Mildly spiced: Chili powder and green chilies add warmth without overpowering

Pair with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. A side of coleslaw or a simple green salad complements the richness of the stew.

Nutritional Overview

Estimated per serving (1 bowl):

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 25–30g
• Carbohydrates: 35–40g
• Fat: 20–25g
• Saturated Fat: ~7g
• Fiber: 5–6g
• Sodium: ~850mg

Dietary notes: High-protein, gluten-free if using gluten-free flour, and a one-pot family-friendly meal.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chop potatoes and onions the night before.
• Cook bacon and sausage in advance and refrigerate.
• Stew can be reheated gently on the stovetop; flavors intensify after sitting overnight.

FAQs

Can I use smoked sausage instead of kielbasa?

Yes, any smoked sausage works. Adjust salt if sausage is already seasoned.

Can this stew be frozen?

Yes, allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How do I prevent potatoes from becoming mushy?

Cut potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch pieces and avoid over-stirring during simmering.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meats first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve cowboy stew hot in large bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Add crusty bread, cornbread, or dinner rolls to soak up the hearty broth. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cold-weather comfort.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cowboy Stew: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
2. Veggie-Packed Stew: Include bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
3. Hearty Winter Stew: Substitute sweet potatoes for russet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
4. Slow Cooker Version: Cook low and slow for deeper flavor development.

Ingredient Spotlight

Kielbasa Sausage

Adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the beef and bacon. Choose a high-quality sausage with natural casing for best results.

Russet Potatoes

Starchy potatoes that absorb the stew’s flavors while maintaining a tender texture. Cut evenly for consistent cooking.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Brown the meats separately to develop rich, deep flavor.
• Don’t skip resting the potatoes in the simmering liquid—they absorb flavors better.
• Stir occasionally but gently to avoid breaking up the potatoes.
• Adjust liquid as needed to reach desired consistency.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding water if necessary.

Freezer

Freeze cooled stew in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Avoid microwaving large portions at once for even heating.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	25–30g
Carbohydrates	35–40g
Fat	20–25g
Fiber	5–6g

High-protein, gluten-free friendly (with gluten-free flour).

Expanded Conclusion

Easy Cowboy Stew is a robust, flavorful, and hearty one-pot meal perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep. Combining savory meats, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and beans in a rich, lightly spiced broth, it’s comforting, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Serve it hot with fresh parsley and crusty bread, and enjoy a stew that embodies bold, classic cowboy flavors with minimal effort.

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