If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor and brings the warm, comforting feeling of a country cookout to your dinner table, this Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with smoky bacon, savory kielbasa sausage, tender ground beef, and a colorful mix of beans and vegetables, it’s a one-pot dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of smoky, hearty, and slightly spicy notes, making it an instant favorite for family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to making this stew a real crowd-pleaser. Each component brings something special—whether it’s richness, texture, or a burst of color—to create a stew that feels both rustic and thoughtfully crafted.
- Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and fat for deep flavor in every bite.
- Kielbasa sausage: Brings a meaty, savory essence with a hint of garlic and herbs.
- Ground beef (90% lean): Provides hearty texture and rounds out the meatiness.
- Onion: Gives a sweet, aromatic base when cooked down.
- Green bell pepper: Offers color and a subtle fresh crunch.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Tender cubes that soak up all the stew’s wonderful flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the stew with warmth and depth.
- Kidney beans: Add creaminess and protein, plus a lovely reddish hue.
- Black beans: Bring additional texture and earthiness.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Brighten the stew with a tangy, juicy burst.
- Whole-kernel corn: Adds sweetness and color to balance the savory elements.
- Low-sodium beef broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid base, keeping things hearty yet not overpowering.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew for a luscious, hearty consistency.
- Chili powder: Provides a gentle kick and classic southwestern flair.
- Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of earthiness and spice.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and let it cook until gloriously crisp. This step is crucial because it renders out smoky, flavorful fat that forms the foundation of your stew. Once crisped, scoop the bacon out onto a paper towel-lined plate to keep it ready for later. Keep only about a tablespoon of that bacon grease in the pot; this will be your cooking gold.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Next, add the sliced kielbasa to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Sear the sausage slices until they develop beautiful, golden-brown edges. Browning the kielbasa not only unlocks more flavor but also gives the stew that authentic cowboy edge. Set them aside with the bacon, as they’ll rejoin the party a little later.
Step 3: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Into the same pot, toss in the ground beef, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly and letting the onions soften to a translucent perfection. This combination forms the heart of the stew’s rich and hearty character.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture to thicken the stew, followed by chili powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together for about a minute to let the flour absorb the juices and spices, creating a wonderful base that will bind all the flavors as you simmer.
Step 5: Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients
Now here’s where all the goodness comes together: add the kidney beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, corn, cubed potatoes, beef broth, and the previously cooked bacon and kielbasa back into the pot. Bring the stew to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let everything cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to let those hearty flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your stew is thickened and bubbling with warmth, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Serve it steaming hot to everyone lucky enough to get a bowl—it’s a meal that’s as inviting as a warm hug on a chilly evening.
How to Serve Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds not only vibrant green color but also a fresh, herbaceous lift to the rich and smoky stew. For an extra special touch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a scattering of shredded cheddar cheese—both complement the bold flavors superbly.
Side Dishes
This stew shines wonderfully on its own but pairing it with some rustic crusty bread or freshly baked cornbread really takes the experience to the next level. The bread soaks up every last drop of that luscious broth, making every bite a pure delight. A simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a crisp contrast to the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in individual mini cast-iron skillets or sturdy bread bowls for an authentic cowboy camp vibe that will wow your guests. You can also offer toppings like diced jalapeños, sliced green onions, or crushed tortilla chips on the side for some fun texture and heat customization.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all those incredible flavors and to keep the stew nice and hearty for reheating.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this comforting stew later, it freezes wonderfully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking or burning. You can also microwave individual portions, though stovetop reheating is ideal for preserving texture and melding flavors evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this stew?
Absolutely! While kielbasa adds a nice smoky and garlicky flavor, you can swap it out for other sausages like chorizo, Andouille, or even Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon, sausage, and beef. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and consider adding hearty veggies like mushrooms or extra beans to maintain that rich, satisfying texture.
Can I prepare this stew in advance for a party?
Definitely! The flavors often taste even better the next day, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead and simply reheat when guests arrive. Just remember to keep it refrigerated.
What if I don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes?
You can substitute with other waxy potatoes like red potatoes or even Russets, though waxy varieties hold their shape better during simmering and are preferred for this stew.
How spicy is this stew? Can I add more heat?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder. If you love heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a hot sauce of your choice for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and wholesome goodness that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress friends with a comforting homemade meal, this stew never disappoints. Go ahead, dive in and savor every hearty spoonful!
Print
Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cowboy Stew is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for satisfying large appetites. Packed with a rich combination of bacon, kielbasa sausage, lean ground beef, potatoes, beans, and vegetables, it simmers together in a savory beef broth with spices to create a robust and filling meal that is great for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Bacon
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced (1 package)
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
- 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 15 ounces canned whole-kernel corn, drained (1 can)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and fry it until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot and discard any leftover grease.
- Cook the sausage: In the same pot with the reserved bacon grease, add the sliced kielbasa sausage. Cook until browned on each side. Remove the sausage and set aside with the cooked bacon.
- Cook the beef and vegetables: Add the ground beef, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the ground beef while cooking. Continue to cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion has turned translucent.
- Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper over the beef and vegetables. Stir continuously for about one minute or until the flour is fully absorbed and no dry patches remain, which will help thicken the stew.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, whole-kernel corn, cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, beef broth, cooked bacon, and kielbasa sausage. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garnish and serve: Once the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired. Serve the cowboy stew hot and enjoy this hearty, savory meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content in the stew.
- For a spicier stew, add additional chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or another smoked meat of your choice.
- This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- For thicker stew, simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes after potatoes are tender to reduce liquid.
