Cowboy Stew

The stew simmers gently on the stove, and the aroma fills the kitchen with warmth, like a hug on a chilly evening. There’s something about the combination of hearty beef, tender potatoes, and smoky bacon that makes you feel like you’ve just been transported to a cozy cabin in the middle of the Wild West. The rich, savory broth dances with the flavors of sweet onions, garlic, and a hint of cumin that adds that subtle earthy depth. Every bite feels like a comfort, with the potatoes breaking apart just enough to thicken the broth, making each spoonful feel extra cozy.

What I love most about this Cowboy Stew is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to fit what you have on hand or to cater to different tastes. Swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re in the mood for something lighter, or throw in a handful of corn or beans to add even more heartiness. It’s the kind of dish that can be as simple or as hearty as you want. And the leftovers? Oh, they taste even better the next day. It’s the type of meal you’ll find yourself craving for days after the pot is empty.

This stew is perfect for a casual get-together, too. Whether you’re feeding a family after a long day or sharing it with friends at a laid-back dinner party, it’s bound to be the star of the table. Don’t be surprised if people go back for seconds or thirds—this Cowboy Stew has that irresistible, “come back for more” quality! So, as you let it simmer, pour yourself a glass of something chilled, kick back, and savor the magic of this comforting, rustic dish. It’s the little joys in life, right?

Key Ingredients in Cowboy Stew

Now that the stew is slowly coming together, let’s talk about the key players that make this dish so special. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a rich, hearty, and well-balanced stew that’s full of flavor. From the savory beef to the sweet vegetables, every bite packs a punch!

Ground Beef
The star of the show! This adds that satisfying, meaty flavor that makes the stew so hearty and filling. It breaks apart into tender pieces, infusing the broth with savory richness.

Onion (chopped)
Sweet and aromatic, the onion gives the stew a nice base layer of flavor. It softens as it cooks, melding perfectly with the garlic and spices.

Garlic (minced)
No stew is complete without garlic! It adds a burst of flavor that deepens the overall taste and brings everything together beautifully.

Beef Broth
The liquid gold of the stew, beef broth provides that rich, savory foundation. It’s the perfect base for the flavors to meld and for the potatoes to soak up all that goodness.

Diced Tomatoes
These bring a touch of sweetness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the beef. Plus, they add a lovely pop of color to the stew.

Kidney Beans
Tender and hearty, these beans bring in some creaminess and a satisfying texture that contrasts with the other ingredients.

Corn Kernels
Sweet, juicy, and a little bit crunchy, corn adds both flavor and texture. It also brings in a pop of color that makes the stew even more inviting.

Frozen Peas
The peas add a fresh, light flavor and a bit of natural sweetness that contrasts with the savory depth of the stew.

Potato (peeled and diced)
Soft, comforting, and absorbing all the delicious flavors around it, the potato is the perfect addition to thicken the broth and make each bite feel extra cozy.

Chili Powder
A dash of chili powder gives the stew a mild heat and a touch of smoky warmth that plays off the other spices beautifully.

Paprika
The sweet and smoky flavor of paprika adds depth and complexity to the stew without overpowering the other ingredients.

Cumin
Cumin brings an earthy warmth that’s just the right amount of bold. It adds a subtle depth that makes this stew so satisfying.

Black Pepper
A little black pepper goes a long way in giving the stew a gentle kick, balancing out the richness with its sharp, peppery notes.

Olive Oil
Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, olive oil helps release all those delicious flavors and adds a touch of richness to the base of the stew.

Salt
A pinch (or more) of salt brings out the natural flavors in each ingredient and ties everything together. You’ll want to taste as you go to make sure it’s just right!

How to Make Cowboy Stew

STEP 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

STEP 2: Add the olive oil to the pot, letting it heat up for a few seconds.

STEP 3: Place the ground beef into the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

STEP 4: While the beef is cooking, peel and dice the large potato into small cubes.

STEP 5: Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened.

STEP 6: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.

STEP 7: Sprinkle the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and black pepper into the pot, stirring to evenly coat the beef and onion mixture with the spices.

STEP 8: Pour the beef broth into the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

STEP 9: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn kernels, frozen peas, and diced potato.

STEP 10: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

STEP 11: Cover the pot and let the stew cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.

STEP 12: Check the stew occasionally and stir to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.

STEP 13: Taste the stew and add salt as needed to achieve your preferred seasoning.

STEP 14: Once the potatoes are soft and the stew has thickened slightly, remove the pot from the heat.

STEP 15: Serve the cowboy stew hot, enjoying it as a hearty meal.

Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Stew

1. Serve with Crusty Bread
There’s nothing like a thick slice of warm, crusty bread to dunk into that rich, flavorful broth. Whether it’s a baguette, sourdough, or even some homemade cornbread, the bread will soak up all those delicious juices, making each bite even more satisfying. It’s the ultimate comfort meal, if you ask me!

2. Top it with Shredded Cheese and Sour Cream
Want to take your Cowboy Stew to the next level? Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top, letting it melt into the stew. A dollop of sour cream will add a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, savory stew. It’s like the cherry on top of an already perfect dish!

3. Pair with a Simple Salad
If you’re looking for something light to balance out all the richness, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect sidekick. The freshness of the greens will complement the hearty flavors of the stew and add a nice contrast to all that cozy comfort. Plus, it’s quick to throw together!

So go ahead and enjoy this Cowboy Stew however you like, but whatever you choose, be prepared for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!

How to Store Cowboy Stew

When it comes to storing your Cowboy Stew, the key is to keep it fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. First things first, make sure the stew has cooled down a bit before transferring it to any containers. If it’s too hot when stored, it can affect the texture and overall taste. I usually let mine sit out for 20–30 minutes to cool, but don’t leave it out for too long—no more than two hours, just to be safe.

For short-term storage, you can keep the stew in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as the potatoes might soak up some of the liquid. I love reheating it on the stove so I can give it a good stir and bring it back to life. If you’re planning to enjoy leftovers within a few days, this is the easiest method!

Now, if you find yourself with a batch of stew you won’t finish in the next few days, freezing is your best bet. Let it cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top of the container for the stew to expand as it freezes. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove. The stew will hold up surprisingly well in the freezer, keeping that same comforting flavor for up to 3 months.

If you’re the kind of person who loves having pre-made meals on hand, this stew is a perfect candidate for batch cooking. Just make sure to store it properly, and you’ll have an easy, hearty meal waiting for you whenever the craving strikes!

Conclusion

And there you have it—the perfect Cowboy Stew, bubbling away in your kitchen and filling your home with that cozy, irresistible aroma. From the tender beef to the creamy potatoes and the smoky, spicy broth, this dish truly brings all the comforting flavors together in one hearty bowl. Whether you’re cooking it for a laid-back dinner, meal prepping for the week, or sharing it with friends, it’s bound to be a hit every single time.

I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it has to mine. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, tweak it to your tastes, and add your own little touch to make it even more special. And hey, if you try it out, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you add anything fun? Or maybe you’ve got some tips of your own? Drop me a comment, or let me know if you’ve got any questions—whether it’s about the recipe or just cooking in general. I’m always here to chat, and I’m excited to hear all about your kitchen adventures!

Happy cooking, friend!

Print Recipe

Cowboy Stew

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Calories: 400

Description

Hearty and comforting, Cowboy Stew is a rustic, flavorful blend of tender beef, smoky bacon, hearty beans, corn, and a medley of spices. This savory, soul-warming dish packs a punch with rich, bold flavors in every bite—perfect for any appetite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 large potato, peeled and diced

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cumin

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the olive oil to the pot, letting it heat up for a few seconds.
3. Place the ground beef into the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
4. While the beef is cooking, peel and dice the large potato into small cubes.
5. Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
6. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.
7. Sprinkle the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and black pepper into the pot, stirring to evenly coat the beef and onion mixture with the spices.
8. Pour the beef broth into the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
9. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn kernels, frozen peas, and diced potato.
10. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
11. Cover the pot and let the stew cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
12. Check the stew occasionally and stir to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.
13. Taste the stew and add salt as needed to achieve your preferred seasoning.
14. Once the potatoes are soft and the stew has thickened slightly, remove the pot from the heat.
15. Serve the cowboy stew hot, enjoying it as a hearty meal.

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