Cowboy Stew is the quintessential comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need a filling meal on a chilly night. This robust dish combines savory ground beef, smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and beans in a rich, tomato-based broth, delivering a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to please. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying meal, Cowboy Stew is a great choice.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly browned.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Potatoes and Tomatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilies.
Season and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, then season with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the stew to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Bread: Serve Cowboy Stew with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. Freshly baked rolls or a slice of warm, buttery bread also complement the stew perfectly.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stew before serving. This adds a burst of color and a touch of freshness that enhances the dish.
Accompaniments: For a well-rounded meal, consider serving the stew with a side salad or a light vegetable dish. Simple green salads or roasted vegetables can balance the richness of the stew.
Keep It Hot: If serving a crowd, keep the stew warm in a slow cooker or on a low setting on the stove. This way, guests can serve themselves throughout the meal.
Portion Control: Use ladles or soup spoons to portion out the stew, making it easy for everyone to get a generous helping.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing: Cowboy Stew freezes well for longer storage. Transfer cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, portion it out to make reheating easier.
Thawing: For best results, thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. If you’re short on time, you can also reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between. Ensure the stew reaches a temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover stew in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Use clean utensils to avoid cross-contamination and keep the stew covered to maintain its flavor and texture.
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FAQs:
Can I make Cowboy Stew ahead of time?
Yes, Cowboy Stew is ideal for making ahead of time. You can prepare the stew a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen and improve as it sits. Just reheat thoroughly before serving. If you prefer, you can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I use a different type of sausage or ground meat?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for smoked sausage and ground beef, you can substitute with other types of sausage, such as Italian or chorizo, for different flavor profiles. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef. Just adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the meat you choose.
How can I make Cowboy Stew spicier?
To add more heat to your Cowboy Stew, consider adding extra diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use hot diced green chilies instead of mild. Adjust the level of spice to your preference, and remember to taste as you go to ensure the heat doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
What can I do if my stew is too thick?
If your Cowboy Stew turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add a little more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir the liquid in gradually until the stew is the right thickness. If you need to thicken it further, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering stew until it reaches the desired thickness.
Conclusion:
Cowboy Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. The combination of ground beef, smoky sausage, and a medley of vegetables makes it a robust and satisfying dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it with your favorite side of crusty bread or cornbread, and savor the hearty goodness of Cowboy Stew!
📖 Recipe:
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Cowboy Stew
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cowboy Stew is a hearty and comforting dish featuring savory ground beef, smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and beans simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. Perfect for family dinners or chilly nights, this easy-to-make stew is a crowd-pleaser that delivers robust flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly browned.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Tomatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilies.
- Season and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, then season with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the stew to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
Notes
Substitutions: Feel free to use different types of sausage or ground meat according to your preference.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding extra jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier stew.
Thickening: If the stew is too thick, add more beef broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
