Cowboy Stew

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Stew combines simple pantry staples into a meal that’s loaded with flavor and comfort. It’s thick, meaty, and full of texture, making it a family favorite for cold days or busy nights. This recipe feeds a crowd, reheats beautifully, and can be customized with whatever you have on hand. It’s the ultimate budget-friendly, belly-warming meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Canned pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
• Canned corn (drained)
• Canned Rotel (tomatoes with green chiles)
• Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, Rotel, beans, corn, potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Spicy Cowboy Stew: Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
• Vegetable-packed: Include bell peppers, carrots, or celery for more texture and nutrients.
• Cheesy version: Stir in shredded cheddar or top with cheese before serving.
• Bean swap: Use kidney beans or black beans instead of pinto beans.
• Campfire version: Cook in a cast iron pot over an open flame for authentic flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Cowboy Stew also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Why is it called Cowboy Stew?

It’s named for its hearty, rustic ingredients that cowboys could easily cook over a campfire using simple pantry staples.

Can I make Cowboy Stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sausage first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

What kind of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage or kielbasa adds great flavor, but andouille or chorizo can also be used for a spicier kick.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and makes the dish a bit lighter.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely—try bell peppers, carrots, green beans, or peas.

How can I thicken the stew?

Let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer, or mash some of the potatoes to naturally thicken it.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat and use extra beans, vegetables, and vegetable broth instead.

What sides go well with Cowboy Stew?

Cornbread, biscuits, or a simple green salad are all excellent accompaniments.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

How do I store leftovers safely?

Cool the stew completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain quality and food safety.

Conclusion

Cowboy Stew is the ultimate hearty comfort food—simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. With a rich blend of beef, sausage, beans, and vegetables, it’s a one-pot meal that feeds a crowd and warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking it at home or over a campfire, this classic stew is sure to become a go-to favorite for family dinners and cozy nights in.

Cowboy Stew

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Cowboy Stew is a hearty one-pot meal loaded with ground beef, smoked sausage, beans, potatoes, corn, and tomatoes simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a comforting and filling dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or camping trips.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (tomatoes with green chiles)
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 3–4 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes, Rotel, beans, corn, potatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and stew thickens slightly.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
• Substitute kidney or black beans for pinto beans if desired.
• Store leftovers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze up to 3 months.
• For a campfire version, cook in a cast-iron pot over open flame.
• Can be made vegetarian by substituting beans and vegetable broth for meat.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 65mg