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Hearty Cowboy Stew - The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Hearty Cowboy Stew – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cowboy stew delivers classic western comfort with robust beef, tender vegetables, and rich seasonings. Rustic flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 packages (12 ounces/340 grams) kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) petite diced tomatoes, with liquid
  • 1 can (7 ounces/198 grams) chopped green chilies, with liquid
  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) sweet corn, with liquid
  • 2 cans (16 ounces/454 grams) baked beans or ranch beans, with liquid

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Render the bacon in a spacious Dutch oven over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer the crispy pieces onto a paper towel-lined surface using a perforated utensil.
  2. Sear the sausage slices in the rendered bacon fat, browning evenly on both sides for 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
  3. Introduce ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the meat browns completely and loses its raw appearance, breaking it into small crumbles.
  4. Dust the meat mixture with flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir continuously for 60 seconds to prevent burning and integrate the spices thoroughly.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, and diced potatoes. Reintroduce the reserved bacon and sausage pieces.
  6. Add water to the mixture, ensuring ingredients are submerged. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 55-65 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
  7. Once potatoes are tender and stew reaches desired consistency, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley for vibrant garnish before serving hot.

Notes

  • Bacon Brilliance: Render the bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and achieve a perfect crispy texture without burning.
  • Meat Medley: Choose high-quality sausage and lean ground beef for a rich, robust taste that elevates the stew’s overall profile.
  • Potato Power: Cut potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Spice Strategy: Toast spices briefly to intensify their flavors and create a more complex, depth-filled taste in the stew.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg