Introduction

Cowboy Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with smoky bacon, savory sausage, and tender ground beef. This one-pot meal combines a variety of textures and spices, making it perfect for a satisfying family dinner on chilly days.

Ingredients

4 slices bacon, chopped
2 (12-ounce) packages kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, with liquid
2 (16-ounce) cans baked beans or ranch beans, with liquid
1 (7-ounce) can chopped green chilies, with liquid
1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, with liquid
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup water
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until brown and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 2: Add the kielbasa slices to the pot drippings and brown them on both sides, adjusting the heat to avoid burning the browned bits on the pot bottom. Remove sausage and place it with the bacon; set aside.
Step 3: Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook and stir until the beef is no longer pink. Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture, stirring well. Cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
Step 4: Stir in diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, cubed potatoes, cooked bacon, sausage, and cup of water. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Just before serving, garnish the stew with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
Step 6: If the stew is thicker than desired, add additional water to reach your preferred consistency.

Tips & Variations

Use ranch beans for a savory twist or baked beans for a slightly sweeter flavor.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Leftover stew tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
Add diced bell peppers or carrots to increase vegetable content and texture.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the stew for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a hearty stew served in a white bowl, showing thick slices of reddish-brown sausage and large chunks of pale yellow potatoes mixed in a rich, brownish-orange sauce. Bright yellow corn kernels and bits of cooked ground meat add depth, while small green herb flakes are sprinkled on top, giving a fresh contrast. The texture looks thick and gooey, with the sausages and potatoes clearly visible in the hearty sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or andouille for similar smoky flavors. Adjust cooking times if the sausage is pre-cooked.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. After browning the meats and sautéing the vegetables, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.