Hearty Cowboy Stew One Pot

This cowboy stew is a robust one-pot dinner bursting with smoky meats, creamy potatoes, and tender beans. It brings together all the staples of comfort food in a way that satisfies hungry families and makes life easy for the cook. Everything comes together in one pot for a meal that feels like a big hug on a cold or busy night.

When I first made this stew, I was trying to stretch what little I had left in the fridge. It turned into a family favorite we rely on every time the craving for something hearty comes on strong.

Ingredients

• Bacon chopped: delivers big smoky flavor at the start of the recipe look for thick-cut with lots of meat
• White onion: sweetens and gives richness pick dense firm bulbs for best taste
• Garlic: builds depth and aroma always choose fresh plump cloves
• Lean ground beef: adds substance and flavor aim for at least eighty five percent lean so the stew is not greasy
• Smoked sausage sliced: rounds up the smokiness buy a quality sausage with natural casing if you can
• Chili powder: gives warmth use a fresh jar for maximum potency
• Cumin: brings earthiness select ground cumin that smells sweet and bright
• Smoked paprika: layers on that campfire note Spanish paprika is ideal
• Kosher salt: highlights flavors choose salt with larger crystals for even dissolving
• Ground black pepper: gives a subtle heat grind it fresh for the biggest impact
• Canned diced tomatoes: adds sharpness and body fire-roasted tomatoes work best
• Russet potatoes: bulk up and thicken the stew peel and cut them evenly for great texture
• Beef broth: adds depth to the stew use a low-sodium version to keep salt in check
• Black beans: give soft texture and a protein kick always rinse well to remove canning liquid
• Red kidney beans: make it extra hearty choose plump whole beans for best results
• Corn: brings pops of sweetness frozen or canned both are convenient
• Parsley: brightens at the end snip up fresh leaves for the finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon:

In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until each bite is brown and crisp. Scoop it onto a paper towel-lined plate and keep one tablespoon of the fat for the next step.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

Add the chopped onion to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Stir for about four minutes until the onion softens and looks almost see-through. Toss in the garlic and let it sizzle for another minute until you catch that fragrant aroma filling the kitchen.

Brown the Beef:

Drop the ground beef into the pot and break it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and has a bit of golden color. Carefully drain off any extra fat so your stew stays rich but not oily.

Build the Flavor Base:

Return the beef and onion mixture to your pot if you drained it. Stir in the sliced smoked sausage along with the cooked bacon from before. Sprinkle in all your spices chili powder cumin smoked paprika salt and pepper and stir until the meats and veggies are coated evenly.

Deglaze and Add Tomatoes:

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with all the juices. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot since that gives your broth even more flavor.

Add Potatoes and Broth:

Put in the cubed potatoes and pour beef broth over the top. Stir everything together so the potatoes settle into the liquid.

Simmer the Stew:

Bring the pot to a gentle boil then lower the heat right away so it barely bubbles. Let the stew simmer uncovered for about twenty five minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.

Add Beans and Corn:

Stir in the rinsed black beans and kidney beans along with the corn. Let it heat through for another five minutes so all the flavors mingle.

Season and Serve:

Turn off the heat. Taste and add a little more salt or pepper if needed. Spoon the stew into bowls and swirl some chopped parsley on top if you want color and freshness.

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I can never resist the smoky sausage in this stew as it brings so much character to a simple pot of dinner. I still smile about the night my son tried to sneak extra sausage out of the pot when he thought I was not watching.

Storage Tips

Cool the stew fully before storing in the fridge in a lidded container. It keeps well for up to four days. For freezing, portion into airtight freezer containers and tuck away for two or three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge or gently warm it from frozen on the stove while stirring to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Russet potatoes hold up best but you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes if that is what you have. Switch smoked sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to lighten up the meal. Pinto beans or cannellini beans can replace red kidney beans for a slightly different flavor profile. Like things spicier Toss in a diced jalapeno with the onions for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Ladle cowboy stew into big bowls with a chunk of bread or some cornbread for dipping. For even more comfort, top with shredded cheddar or a spoonful of sour cream. Try a dusting of crushed tortilla chips or sliced avocado for a Tex-Mex twist. This stew loves plenty of company at the table.

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Cultural Context

Cowboy stew has roots in the old American West where resourceful cooks whipped up filling meals from meat, beans, and potatoes they packed for the trail. It is the spirit of making do with what you have and still serving something wonderful for the whole crew.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make cowboy stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the bacon, beef, and onions first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients except the beans and corn. Cook on low for 5-6 hours, then stir in beans and corn for the last hour.

→ What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes hold their shape well and thicken the stew nicely. Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used but may require adjusting the simmer time as they cook faster.

→ Can I substitute the meats in cowboy stew?

Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken and turkey sausage are excellent alternatives to beef and pork sausage for a lighter dish.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Allow the stew to cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to maintain the texture of the potatoes.

→ How can I spice up cowboy stew?

Add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to boost heat and deepen the flavor profile.