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

Scale

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

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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.