Cowboy Stew Recipe

Cowboy Stew is one of those hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meals that brings a little bit of everything to the table—literally. It’s loaded with savory sausage, tender ground beef, beans, and a mix of fresh veggies, all simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a chilly night, or when you just want to make something comforting that’ll fill everyone up.

I first made Cowboy Stew on a camping trip, and let me tell you, there’s something magical about cooking a big pot of this over a fire. The smoky sausages mixed with the earthy potatoes and beans just seemed to taste better under the stars. While you don’t need a campfire to enjoy it, the flavors will transport you straight to the great outdoors, no matter where you’re cooking it. It’s also an incredibly forgiving recipe—perfect for those “what do I have in my pantry?” kind of days. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this fantastic stew right at home.

this RECIPE

How cowboy stew became a go-to classic

Cowboy Stew has a bit of a rugged history, which is fitting, given its name. Originating from the chuckwagons of the American West, cowboys needed meals that were filling, easy to prepare, and made from ingredients that could travel well. This meant a lot of preserved items like beans and cured meats, along with whatever fresh vegetables were available. Over time, Cowboy Stew became a bit of a catch-all for hearty, one-pot meals that are flavorful and easy to adapt. It’s the kind of dish where you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have, which is why you’ll find many variations today. Some people like to add beans, others prefer potatoes or corn. No matter the combination, the result is always delicious.

Key ingredients that make this stew stand out

The beauty of Cowboy Stew lies in its simplicity and flexibility, but a few key ingredients really make this dish pop:

• beef sausage: The beef sausage adds a smoky, savory flavor that gives the stew a satisfying depth.
• Ground beef: This adds heartiness to the dish. I like to use 80/20 ground beef, which has just enough fat to keep things juicy without being greasy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works too.
• Baked beans: Canned baked beans are a classic choice here because they add a little sweetness to balance the heat from the spices and chilies. If you don’t have baked beans, any canned beans like pinto or navy beans will do.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are a great choice because they hold their shape well and absorb the flavors of the stew. If you want to switch things up, sweet potatoes add a fun twist.
• Green chilies: These add a mild kick of spice, but they’re not overpowering. If you’re a fan of heat, try swapping these for diced jalapeños.
• Sweet corn: The sweet corn adds a lovely burst of sweetness that complements the spices and meat. You can use fresh or frozen corn if that’s what you have on hand.

Essential kitchen tools for the perfect stew

If you’ve made stew before, you’ll likely already have most of the tools you need. But here’s a quick rundown of what makes cooking Cowboy Stew even easier:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: You’ll want something with a wide base and deep sides to handle all the ingredients without overflowing. A Dutch oven works great because it distributes heat evenly.
• Slotted spoon: This comes in handy when you’re cooking the sausage and beef, letting you drain off any excess fat without losing any of the delicious bits of flavor.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: You’ll be chopping up everything from sausages to potatoes, so make sure your knife is sharp to make the job easier (and safer!).
• Wooden spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the stew as it simmers, helping to scrape up all those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method for cowboy stew

Ready to get cooking? Let’s walk through this Cowboy Stew together. Here’s how I like to make it, with a few tips and tricks along the way:

1. Brown the sausage: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the beef sausage slices and cook until they’re nicely browned on both sides. This helps develop that deep, savory flavor we want. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.Tip: Don’t rush the browning! Let the sausage slices sit in the pot for a few minutes without stirring so they develop a nice crust.
2. Cook the ground beef: In the same pot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Cook everything together, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink. This will take about 7-8 minutes.Tip: If you notice the onions browning too fast, turn the heat down slightly. You want them soft and translucent, not burnt.
3. Season and thicken: Sprinkle the flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture. Stir everything together and let it cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. The flour helps thicken the stew later on.
4. Add the goodies: Now, pour in the canned tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, potatoes, and water. Don’t forget to add the cooked sausage back in, too. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
5. Simmer and wait: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about an hour. Stir it occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.Tip: If the stew gets too thick for your liking, just add a little more water until it reaches the consistency you prefer.
6. Finish with parsley: Before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. And just like that, you’re ready to eat!

Variations and twists you’ll love

One of the best things about Cowboy Stew is how easy it is to tweak based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry. Here are a few fun variations I’ve tried over the years:

• Vegan cowboy stew: For a plant-based version, simply leave out the meat and double up on the beans. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Use a veggie broth instead of water to add more depth of flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. It’ll thicken the stew just as well without any gluten.
• Spicy kick: If you like things spicy, try adding a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce along with the green chilies. For an extra smoky flavor, you can also add a bit of smoked paprika.
• Southwestern twist: To give this stew a bit of a southwestern flair, add some black beans and top it with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
• Slow cooker version: Want to make this even easier? Brown the sausage and ground beef, then toss everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The flavors will meld beautifully, and you’ll have dinner ready with minimal effort.

How to serve cowboy stew like a pro

Presentation isn’t usually the first thing you think about with a hearty stew like this, but it doesn’t hurt to make it look as good as it tastes! Serve the stew in wide, shallow bowls so you can see all the colorful ingredients. Sprinkle a little more fresh parsley on top for a pop of green, or even add a few crushed tortilla chips for some extra crunch.

If you’re hosting a gathering, serve the stew family-style with a big ladle right out of the pot. Pair it with crusty bread or cornbread on the side to mop up all that delicious broth.

The best drink pairings

When it comes to drink pairings, Cowboy Stew is bold enough to stand up to a variety of flavors. For a option, I recommend something light and refreshing to balance out the richness of the stew.

• Iced tea: A classic choice that pairs well with hearty dishes. Try a lemon-infused iced tea for a bit of brightness.
• Sparkling water: If you’re a fan of bubbles, a sparkling water with a hint of lime or grapefruit would be perfect alongside this dish.
• Ginger ale: This has a nice spicy kick that complements the smoky sausage and savory beef in the stew.

Storing and reheating tips

Cowboy Stew stores beautifully, so don’t worry if you’ve made too much (which, let’s be honest, is almost impossible with this dish). Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up since the potatoes and beans tend to soak up the liquid as it sits.

You can also freeze the stew for longer storage. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Adjusting the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe makes enough to serve about 6 people, but it’s really easy to adjust for different numbers. If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, just halve the ingredients. On the flip side, if you’re feeding a big group, doubling the recipe works like a charm—just make sure you have a big enough pot!

One thing to keep in mind is the water. Start with the amount listed, but if you’re doubling the recipe, you might need to add a little extra to maintain the right consistency.

A few final tips for cowboy stew success

• Don’t skip the browning: Browning the sausage and beef properly is key to building flavor. It might be tempting to rush, but trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
• Taste as you go: Always give your stew a taste about halfway through cooking to see if it needs more salt or spice. Everyone’s preferences are different, so adjust the seasoning to suit your taste buds.
• Let it simmer: The longer you let the stew simmer, the more the flavors will develop. If you have the time, let it go a little longer than the recommended hour for even richer results.

Give it a try and make it your own!

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, Cowboy Stew is one of those recipes that always delivers. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. So go ahead and give it a try! You’ll have a delicious, hearty meal on the table in no time, and I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your home just like it has in mine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Just brown the sausage and ground beef before adding them to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: What can I use instead of russet potatoes?
A: You can substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes, Yukon golds, or even red potatoes. Just be aware that sweet potatoes will add a bit of sweetness to the stew.

Q: How spicy is this stew?
A: The green chilies add a mild heat, but it’s not too spicy. If you prefer more heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this stew?
A: Yes! Cowboy Stew freezes well. Just let it cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this without sausage?
A: Definitely. You can leave out the sausage altogether, or swap it for another protein like chicken or turkey if you prefer.

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