Picture a pot simmering on the stove, filling your kitchen with the rich aroma of spices and savory beef—there’s something comforting about Cowboy Stew.
It’s an easy, hearty dish that brings warmth and nostalgia, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
As the simple ingredients meld together, they transform into a flavorful stew that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef’s knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Cowboy Stew, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading Time:
- Allocate 5 minutes to thoroughly read the recipe and instructions before starting.
- Prep Time (15 Minutes):
- 0-5 Minutes: Gather all ingredients and equipment needed (large pot, wooden spoon, cutting board, chef’s knife, measuring cup, ladle).
- 5-10 Minutes: Dice the onion and green bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- 10-15 Minutes: Measure out spices and other ingredients (olive oil, salt, black pepper, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper).
- Cook Time (1 Hour):
- 0-10 Minutes (Cook Time begins immediately after Prep Time):
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- 10-15 Minutes:
- Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
- 15-20 Minutes:
- Season with salt, black pepper, and chili powder; stir to combine.
- 20-25 Minutes:
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and stir.
- 25-30 Minutes:
- Add kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth; stir.
- 30-35 Minutes:
- Stir in frozen corn and diced green bell pepper.
- 35-40 Minutes:
- Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- 40-45 Minutes:
- Bring stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- 45-90 Minutes:
- Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Resting Time (5 Minutes):
- Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Remove excess fat from the pot if necessary.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and chili powder, stirring to combine.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and stir well.
Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth to the pot.
Stir in the frozen corn and diced green bell pepper.
Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and guarantee even cooking.
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and making sure no drop is left behind.
- Cornbread: Adds a sweet and savory element that complements the hearty stew.
- Rice: A simple side that absorbs the stew’s rich flavors and makes the meal more filling.
- Tortilla Chips: Offers a crunchy contrast and can be used to scoop up the stew.
- Green Salad: A fresh and light accompaniment that balances the richness of the stew.
Storage
Store Cowboy Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Cowboy Stew, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer it to airtight containers.
Label and date them.
Store them in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
When reheating Cowboy Stew, use a stovetop over medium heat to maintain flavor and texture.
Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if needed, to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal.
Its rich blend of spices and textures makes it a favorite for many.
Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or simply want a comforting meal, this stew is sure to please.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to suit your taste.
Enjoy your cowboy stew with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef in Cowboy Stew?
You can absolutely swap ground turkey for beef in this hearty stew. It’ll lighten the dish while still delivering a savory punch. Just remember to season generously to enhance the turkey’s milder flavor profile. Enjoy your culinary twist!
What Can I Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce in the Recipe?
You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, a dash of vinegar, and a hint of sugar. This blend mimics the savory depth and umami punch, ensuring your dish remains deliciously robust and flavorful.
Is Cowboy Stew Suitable for a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make this dish in a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then transfer everything into the slow cooker. Let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy!
How Can I Make Cowboy Stew Vegetarian-Friendly?
To make Cowboy Stew vegetarian-friendly, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Enhance flavors with smoked paprika and a splash of soy sauce for that umami punch.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to Cowboy Stew for Extra Nutrition?
Absolutely, you can elevate your stew with vibrant veggies! Consider adding carrots, zucchini, or spinach. They’ll infuse your dish with color and nutrients, creating a nutritious, hearty meal that bursts with flavor in every bite. Enjoy!
Cowboy Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Remove excess fat from the pot if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and chili powder, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and stir well.
- Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth to the pot.
- Stir in the frozen corn and diced green bell pepper.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
