Cowboy Stew

Cowboy Stew is a hearty, rustic one-pot meal that brings together ground beef, smoked sausage, tender potatoes, beans, and corn in a rich tomato base. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish is full of bold flavors and comforting textures, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Stew is the ultimate comfort food that blends convenience with bold, savory flavor. It uses simple pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients but delivers a deeply satisfying meal. Its versatility allows you to adjust the spices, meats, or vegetables to your taste, and it makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Smoked sausage (sliced)
• Yellow onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Russet or gold potatoes (cubed)
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Canned pinto or kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• Canned corn (drained)
• Beef broth
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in diced onions and garlic; sauté until translucent.
4. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes to lightly brown.
5. Stir in potatoes, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
6. Season with chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
8. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
9. Stir in beans and corn; simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes.
10. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Low-Carb: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets.
• Different Proteins: Use ground turkey, chorizo, or shredded chicken.
• More Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrients.
• Southwest Style: Add black beans and a dash of cumin for a Tex-Mex twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave in intervals until heated through.

FAQs

What is cowboy stew made of?

It typically includes ground beef, sausage, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices simmered in broth.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Is cowboy stew spicy?

Not inherently. You can control the heat level by adjusting the chili powder or adding hot peppers.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use plant-based meat or omit meat altogether and increase beans and vegetables.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Smoked sausage or kielbasa works well for flavor and texture.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

That’s optional. If using thin-skinned potatoes like Yukon Gold, peeling is not necessary.

How can I thicken cowboy stew?

Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid or mash a few of the potatoes directly into the stew.

Can I use canned beans?

Yes, canned beans are convenient and work perfectly after being drained and rinsed.

Can I double the recipe?

Certainly. Use a larger pot and increase the ingredients proportionally.

What sides go well with cowboy stew?

Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Cowboy Stew is a robust, flavorful meal that satisfies with every spoonful. Its flexibility and heartiness make it a favorite for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or anytime you need a soul-warming dish. Packed with protein, vegetables, and savory goodness, this stew truly earns its place at the table.

Cowboy Stew

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Cowboy Stew is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with ground beef, sausage, beans, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s a flavorful and filling dish perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting family dinner.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Stew
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional: hot sauce or jalapeños for heat

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Stir in the potatoes, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
5. Add chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
7. Adjust seasoning if needed. Add hot sauce or jalapeños if you like more spice.
8. Serve hot, optionally with cornbread or crusty bread on the side.

Notes

• You can swap or add different beans such as black beans or white beans.
• This stew is freezer-friendly and great for meal prep.
• Use spicy sausage if you prefer more heat.
• For a thinner stew, add more beef broth as needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 60mg