Cowboy Stew

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If you love comfort food with bold flavors, this Cowboy Stew is the perfect dish! Packed with ground beef, smoked sausage, potatoes, beans, corn, and tomatoes, this hearty one-pot meal is full of rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, camping trip, or meal prep, this easy cowboy stew recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and packed with protein!

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Stew Recipe

✔ Hearty & Satisfying – Loaded with meat, beans, and veggies for a complete meal.
✔ One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the heat, swap the meats, or add extra veggies.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully for easy lunches and dinners.

Ingredients for Cowboy Stew

Meat & Protein:

1 lb ground beef
1 smoked sausage, sliced (or kielbasa)
½ lb bacon, chopped (optional, for smoky flavor)

Vegetables & Beans:

1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 potatoes, diced
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies

Seasonings & Broth:

4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

How to Make Cowboy Stew

1. Cook the Meat

In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook bacon (if using) over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Stir in sliced smoked sausage and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly browned.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3 minutes).

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients

Stir in potatoes, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel, and seasonings.
Pour in the beef broth, stirring everything together.

4. Simmer the Stew

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheese (optional).
Serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or tortillas!

Cowboy Stew Recipes (A large white Dutch oven filled with chopped potatoes, sliced sausage, beans, tomatoes, corn, peas, carrots, and spices, ready to be mixed and cooked into cowboy stew.)

Notes & Variations

✅ Make It Spicier – Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder.
✅ Thicker Stew? – Mash a few potatoes or stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water.
✅ Swap the Protein – Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even chorizo.
✅ Vegetarian Option – Skip the meat and add extra beans, bell peppers, and zucchini.
✅ Slow Cooker Method – Brown the meat, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.

What to Serve with Cowboy Stew

🍞 Jiffy Cornbread – Perfect for soaking up the stew.
🥖 Garlic Bread – Adds a crispy, buttery side.
🥗 Fresh Salad – A light, refreshing contrast.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – For extra comfort.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions:

Let the stew cool completely.
Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips:

Stovetop: Heat on low until warmed through.
Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

A hearty bowl of cowboy stew filled with ground beef, sausage, beans, potatoes, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth, served with a side of buttered bread.

Health & Diet Benefits of Cowboy Stew

Cowboy Stew is not just hearty and flavorful—it’s also nutrient-rich and adaptable to various diets. Whether you need a high-protein, gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb option, this stew has you covered!

✔ High in Protein – Satisfying & Energizing

Packed with ground beef, sausage, and beans, this stew provides muscle-building protein and long-lasting energy. Swap beef for ground turkey or bison for a leaner alternative.

✔ Rich in Fiber – Supports Digestion

The beans, potatoes, and corn offer gut-friendly fiber, keeping you fuller for longer and aiding digestion. Want more fiber? Add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots!

✔ Gluten-Free Friendly

This stew is naturally gluten-free, but check your broth and sausage labels to ensure they contain no hidden gluten.

✔ Dairy-Free – Naturally Free of Dairy

Cowboy Stew has no dairy unless you add cheese or sour cream. For a creamy texture, use coconut milk or mashed sweet potatoes.

✔ Low-Carb Version – Keto-Friendly Adaptation

For a low-carb version, replace potatoes and beans with cauliflower, zucchini, or mushrooms and opt for a sugar-free beef broth.

Final Thoughts on Cowboy Stew’s Health Benefits

This protein-packed, fiber-rich, and customizable one-pot meal is both delicious and nutritious. Whether you prefer it gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb, Cowboy Stew is easy to adapt while keeping its bold, smoky flavors! 🔥🍲

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Kind of Stew Did Cowboys Eat?

Cowboys typically ate simple, hearty stews made with whatever ingredients were available on the trail. Common ingredients included beef, beans, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, cooked over an open fire in a cast-iron Dutch oven. These stews were designed to be filling, nutritious, and easy to cook in large batches.

2. What Is Cowboy Soup Made Of?

Cowboy soup is similar to cowboy stew but with a thinner, brothier consistency. It usually includes:
✔ Ground beef or sausage
✔ Potatoes & beans
✔ Corn & tomatoes
✔ Spices like chili powder & cumin
✔ Beef broth to create a hearty soup-like texture
It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and great for feeding a crowd.

3. What Is Hobo Stew Made Of?

Hobo stew is a rustic, throw-together meal made from whatever ingredients are on hand. It typically contains:
✔ Ground beef or canned meat
✔ Potatoes, carrots, and onions
✔ Canned vegetables or beans
✔ Tomato sauce or broth
Hobo stew is known for its simplicity and adaptability, making it a popular meal during the Great Depression and on camping trips.

4. What Is a Typical Cowboy Dinner?

A classic cowboy dinner included hearty, filling foods that provided energy for long days on the trail. Typical dishes included:
✔ Cowboy Stew or Chili – Made with beef, beans, and spices.
✔ Cornbread or Biscuits – Served on the side for dipping.
✔ Fried Potatoes or Beans – A simple, high-protein dish.
✔ Grilled Steak or Smoked Meats – Often cooked over an open flame.
✔ Dutch Oven Cobbler – A classic dessert made with fruit and biscuit dough.

More Hearty Stew & Comfort Food Recipes

🔥 Jiffy Cornbread – The best side for Cowboy Stew!
🍛 Ragu Sauce – A rich, meaty pasta sauce.
🥣 Creamy Sweet Potato Soup – Cozy and full of flavor.
🍲 Chicken Vegetable Casserole – A comforting, protein-packed meal.

Final Thoughts on Cowboy Stew

This Cowboy Stew Recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With savory meats, beans, and a rich tomato broth, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and great for meal prep.

Try this one-pot comfort food today and let me know how it turns out! 😊🔥🍲

Print Recipe

This Cowboy Stew is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting one-pot meal packed with ground beef, smoked sausage, beans, potatoes, corn, and a rich tomato-based broth. It’s a perfect dish for cozy dinners, meal prep, or even camping trips, delivering bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors in every bite.

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this easy cowboy stew recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd and can be customized to fit your taste. Serve it with cornbread, biscuits, or tortillas for a satisfying meal!

Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x