I still remember those evenings after school, the only time I felt at peace was when I was cooking. And now, I’m so excited to share one of my favorite hearty, comforting recipes with you: Cowboy Stew! It’s packed with flavor, easy to adapt, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a nourishing meal on the table fast. This recipe is a fantastic way to get dinner sorted quickly and easily, all while enjoying a delicious, iron-rich meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Stew Recipe
- My Cowboy Stew features smoked beef bacon, which adds a unique, smoky flavor that elevates it from the ordinary.
- It’s incredibly adaptable! I’ve included plenty of substitution options to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
- This recipe is freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it. It’s a simple, one-pot recipe, which means fewer dishes to wash after dinner! For another fantastic quick and easy soup that gets dinner on the table fast, explore our viral lasagna soup.
What is Cowboy Stew? A Taste of the Wild West
Cowboy Stew, also known as chuck wagon stew, is a hearty dish with humble origins. The name conjures images of cowboys around a campfire, but the truth is that the stew likely evolved from various frontier recipes, adapted with whatever ingredients were available. Whether or not actual cowboys ate this exact stew, it embodies the spirit of resourcefulness and hearty nourishment needed for a hard day’s work. And even if it doesn’t have true cowboy origins, it’s a simple, satisfying, and flavorful dish! For another comforting and hearty and nourishing soup, try our creamy turkey noodle soup recipe.
Cowboy Stew Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 2 packages smoked beef bacon sliced into ½ inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 (14.5oz) cans peeled and diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 (15oz) cans pinto beans, with liquid
- 1 (15.2oz) can whole kernel corn, Drained
- 2 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes with green chile pepper, with liquid
- 1 (10oz) package frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cowboy Stew: Step-by-Step
- In a dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, making sure there’s no pink left.
- Add the sliced smoked beef bacon to the pot. The bacon will add a wonderful smoky flavor to the stew as it cooks with the beef.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, pinto beans (with their liquid), drained corn, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes with green chile pepper, and the frozen mixed vegetables.
- Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the water, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for one hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Common Mistakes When Making Cowboy Stew (and How to Avoid Them!)
Sometimes, even the simplest recipes can have a few hiccups. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you avoid them!
- Stew is too watery: To thicken your stew, try mashing some of the potatoes against the side of the pot. This releases starch and thickens the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
- Potatoes are still hard after simmering: Make sure your potatoes are diced into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If they’re still hard after an hour, continue simmering for another 15-30 minutes, checking for tenderness periodically. Adding more liquid can also help.
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Cowboy Stew
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Pinto Beans | Kidney beans, black beans, great northern beans |
| Ground Beef | Ground turkey, ground chicken, cubed beef stew meat |
| Smoked Beef Bacon | Regular bacon, pancetta, smoked turkey bacon, diced ham |
| Mixed Vegetables | Any combination of your favorite vegetables (carrots, celery, peas, green beans) |
Cowboy Stew Variations: Make It Your Own!
| Variation | Adaptation |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Omit ground beef and bacon. Add extra beans or vegetarian sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of water. |
| Vegan | Omit ground beef and bacon. Add extra beans or vegan sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of water. Ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly. |
| Gluten-Free | Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. |
| Low-Carb/Keto | Omit potatoes and corn. Add more low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli. |
What to Serve with Cowboy Stew
I find that Cowboy Stew is fantastic on its own, but you can also dress it up with your favorite toppings! A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a lovely creaminess, while shredded cheddar cheese brings a comforting, melty touch. Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro provide a pop of freshness. For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or cornbread.
Storing and Freezing Your Cowboy Stew
Leftover Cowboy Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. For another easy make-ahead meal, try our simple crock pot recipe for chicken noodle soup.
Nutritional Information
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate only.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! Brown the beef and onion using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
- Can I use different types of beans? Absolutely! Kidney beans, black beans, or great northern beans all work well.
- Can I use different types of sausage? Yes, Italian sausage or chorizo can add a different flavor profile.
- What’s the best cut of beef to use if not using ground beef? Cubed beef stew meat works wonderfully. Brown it before adding the other ingredients.
- Is this gluten-free? How can I make it gluten-free? As written, it should be gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure!
- Can I make this vegetarian/vegan? How can I adapt it? Yes! See the “Cowboy Stew Variations” section above for detailed instructions.
- What do you eat with cowboy stew? Cowboy stew is great with cornbread, crusty bread, or a side salad.
- What is cowboy stew made of? My Cowboy Stew is made with ground beef, smoked beef bacon, onions, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, corn, mixed vegetables, and spices.
Amazing Cowboy Stew: Easy One-Pot Weeknight Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, making sure there’s no pink left.
- Add the sliced smoked beef bacon to the pot. The bacon will add a wonderful smoky flavor to the stew as it cooks with the beef.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, pinto beans (with their liquid), drained corn, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes with green chile pepper, and the frozen mixed vegetables.
- Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the water, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for one hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Notes
Conclusion
I hope you’ll give my Cowboy Stew recipe a try. It’s more than just a meal, it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and nourish yourself and your family with a bowl of goodness. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and so adaptable. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with any questions you have, or share your own Cowboy Stew creations. I can’t wait to see what you cook up!
