If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Cowboy Stew Recipe hits every note perfectly. Packed with ground beef, smoky sausage, crisp bacon, tender potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a wholesome and filling stew that brings bold, savory flavors together in one glorious pot. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a meal that warms your soul, this Cowboy Stew Recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet deeply flavorful, the ingredients for this Cowboy Stew Recipe are easy to find and each one adds an essential piece to the stew’s rich, hearty profile. From the smoky sausage to the tender Yukon gold potatoes, every component enhances the texture, depth, and comforting warmth of the dish.
- 2 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that makes the stew filling and satisfying.
- 1 lb smoked sausage: Adds a smoky, savory punch that elevates the stew’s flavor.
- ½ cup cooked chopped bacon: Offers a crispy, salty texture contrast that complements the meat.
- 2 (15-oz) cans chili beans (undrained): Bring a hearty bean texture and subtle chili flavor to the stew.
- 1 (10-oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh sweetness.
- 4 cups unsalted beef broth: The flavorful liquid base that keeps everything tender and juicy.
- 1 (1.25-oz) packet chili seasoning: Injects a blend of spices that tie the stew’s taste together beautifully.
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained): Provides acidity and a burst of fresh tomato flavor.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained): Adds a mild heat and a bit of zing.
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Sweet corn kernels bring pops of sweetness that balance the smokiness.
- 2 cubed and peeled Yukon gold potatoes: These tender potatoes add body and soak up the delicious stew juices.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook until it’s beautifully browned and releases all of that irresistible smoky aroma. Once done, remove the sausage and drain any excess grease, which helps keep the stew from becoming too oily while intensifying the flavor base.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, toss the ground beef into the pot and cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks for even browning. Once cooked through, drain off the excess grease to keep the stew hearty but not greasy. This step ensures your meat is perfectly cooked and ready to soak up the delicious seasoning.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Now for the fun part — add the browned smoked sausage back into the pot along with the crumbled bacon, undrained chili beans, frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, chili seasoning packet, diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, frozen corn, and diced Yukon gold potatoes. This vibrant mix is the foundation of your Cowboy Stew Recipe’s signature color, taste, and heartiness.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Stir everything together and bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low so the stew simmers gently. Let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the potatoes to soften just right. Before serving, taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as you prefer to bring the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also adds a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the rich, meaty flavors. For a little extra flair, you might consider some shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream to create a creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This hearty Cowboy Stew pairs brilliantly with crusty bread or warm cornbread for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. A simple green salad can also add refreshing crunch and help balance this rich meal on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the stew in rustic crocks or cast-iron mugs to emphasize its cowboy roots. If you want to impress at a dinner party, try mason jars or deep bowls topped with crisp fried onions or jalapeño slices to add texture and a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cowboy Stew Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this stew freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect freezer meal for busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If you find it’s too thick after freezing, simply stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up and bring it back to that perfect stew consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this stew without the smoked sausage?
Absolutely! If you prefer a leaner stew or don’t have smoked sausage on hand, you can simply increase the amount of ground beef or use another type of sausage. The flavor will be slightly less smoky but still delicious.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Cowboy Stew Recipe?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, skip the meats and add extra beans, lentils, or even tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and feel free to load it up with more vegetables and potatoes for a satisfying, plant-based meal.
How spicy is the stew with the Rotel tomatoes?
The Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies add just a mild to medium kick of heat that enhances the stew without overpowering it. If you want less heat, you can substitute with regular diced tomatoes or reduce the amount of Rotel.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Definitely! Fresh vegetables work just as well and may even add a fresher bite and vibrant texture. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as fresh veggies might take a little longer to soften.
What kind of potatoes are best for this stew?
Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well while becoming tender and absorbing the stew’s flavors. Russet potatoes can be used but may break down more, resulting in a thicker, more rustic stew.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Stew Recipe is a delicious celebration of bold, smoky, and savory flavors brought together in one easy-to-make pot. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to cozy up with something truly satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe collection — I promise each spoonful will feel like a little cowboy campfire magic on your plate!
Print
Cowboy Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cowboy Stew is a flavorful and filling meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Packed with ground beef, smoked sausage, bacon, a variety of vegetables, and seasoned with chili spices, this stew delivers a comforting blend of robust flavors and textures. Cooked entirely on the stovetop in a large pot, it’s an easy-to-make dish that simmers to perfection, offering a warm and satisfying experience in every bowl.
Ingredients
Meats
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb smoked sausage
- ½ cup cooked chopped bacon
Canned and Frozen Goods
- 2 (15-oz) cans chili beans, undrained
- 1 (10-oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Fresh Produce
- 2 Yukon gold potatoes, cubed and peeled
Liquids and Seasoning
- 4 cups unsalted beef broth
- 1 (1.25-oz) packet chili seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the smoked sausage: In a large Dutch oven or large pot, heat over medium-high and cook the smoked sausage until it is nicely browned. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and discard any excess grease to keep the stew from getting too oily.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the same pot and cook until it turns no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the excess grease again to maintain a balanced fat content.
- Add remaining ingredients: Return the browned smoked sausage to the pot along with the chopped bacon, chili beans (with liquid), frozen mixed vegetables, unsalted beef broth, chili seasoning packet, diced tomatoes, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn kernels, and the cubed Yukon gold potatoes.
- Simmer the stew: Stir all the ingredients well and bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to cook thoroughly.
- Season and serve: Taste the stew and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hot for a comforting and robust meal.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or chorizo for different flavor profiles.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer uncovered longer or mash some of the potatoes to naturally thicken the broth.
- Using unsalted beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better.
- For a spicier stew, add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning.
- This stew freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
