Name: Cowboy Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 90 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, chopped.; 2 (12 oz) packages kielbasa sausage, sliced.; 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20).; 1 medium onion, diced.; 3 cloves garlic, minced.; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour.; 1.5 tsp salt.; 1/2 tsp black pepper.; 1 tsp chili powder.; 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes with liquid.; 2 (16 oz) cans baked beans with liquid.; 1 (7 oz) can chopped green chilies with liquid.; 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn with liquid.; 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed.; 1 cup water.; 2 tbsp chopped parsley.

Cowboy Stew is the ultimate one-pot comfort food, combining crispy bacon, savory kielbasa sausage, and flavorful ground beef with beans, corn, and potatoes. This hearty stew is simmered to perfection, allowing all ingredients to meld together into a savory and satisfying dish. Ideal for family meals, gatherings, or simply enjoying on a chilly evening, Cowboy Stew delivers robust flavors with every bite. The combination of tomatoes, green chilies, and seasonings offers a slight kick, while russet potatoes add substance and texture. It’s a meal that warms from the inside out and makes great leftovers too.

Cowboy Stew is a hearty, rustic dish packed with robust flavors and ideal for feeding a hungry crowd. This one-pot wonder combines the savory goodness of crispy bacon, juicy kielbasa sausage, and tender ground beef with hearty potatoes, beans, and corn. The stew is enriched with a flavorful tomato and green chili base, creating a slightly spicy kick balanced by the creamy texture of russet potatoes. It's a comforting, all-in-one meal perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

INGREDIENTS

Bacon: 4 slices, chopped and browned
Kielbasa sausage: 2 (12 oz) packages, sliced and browned
Ground beef: 1.5 lbs (80/20), cooked and crumbled
Onion: 1 medium, diced
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
All-purpose flour: 3 tbsp, for thickening
Salt and pepper: 1.5 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
Chili powder: 1 tsp, for subtle heat
Petite diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can, with liquid
Baked beans: 2 (16 oz) cans, with liquid
Chopped green chilies: 1 (7 oz) can, with liquid
Sweet corn: 1 (15 oz) can, with liquid
Russet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cubed
Water: 1 cup, for simmering
Chopped parsley: 2 tbsp, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Brown bacon in a large pot over medium heat and set aside.
Step 2:: Add sliced kielbasa sausage to the pot and brown on both sides, then set aside.
Step 3:: In the same pot, add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until beef is browned.
Step 4:: Sprinkle with flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
Step 5:: Add diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, cubed potatoes, browned bacon and sausage, and water. Stir well.
Step 6:: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or over rice for a heartier meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Helpful Notes

For extra heat, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the stew.
Substitute different beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, for variety.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef’s Tip: Allow the stew to rest for 10 minutes before serving to deepen the flavors.

Pairing Suggestions for Cowboy Stew

Cowboy Stew pairs well with buttery cornbread, pickled vegetables, or a refreshing salad to balance its hearty flavors.

Customizing Your Cowboy Stew

Add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or celery for additional nutrition and flavor. For a spicier version, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

FAQs

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meats first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How can I thicken the stew?

Mix cornstarch with water and add to the stew or simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Yes, fresh or frozen corn works well and can be added directly to the pot.

What other sausages work well?

Andouille, smoked sausage, or chorizo are great alternatives to kielbasa.

Summary

Cowboy Stew is a flavorful and hearty one-pot dish that brings together bacon, kielbasa, ground beef, beans, corn, and potatoes for a satisfying meal. This stew is the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, thanks to the addition of green chilies, chili powder, and diced tomatoes. Preparing this dish is straightforward, starting with browning the bacon and kielbasa for depth, followed by cooking the ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic. Everything is simmered together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a comforting and hearty stew, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.