Cowboy Stew

Dinner’s on! My Cowboy Stew recipe combines three types of tender meat with beans and veggies in a one-pot wonder delicious enough for everyone. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion where comfort food is needed. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, Cowboy Stew stands out as a nutritious meal that satisfies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal cleanup, preparing Cowboy Stew is a breeze.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of meats, beans, and spices creates a rich taste that delights your palate.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, serve it alone or with your favorite bread for a complete meal.
• Comforting Goodness: This stew warms you up from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings.
• Feeds a Crowd: With 8 generous servings, it’s great for feeding family and friends without breaking the bank.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Cowboy Stew, having the right tools can make all the difference. Gather these essential kitchen items before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Slotted spoon: Helps transfer cooked meats while leaving drippings behind for added flavor in the stew.
• Cutting board & Sharp knife: Provides a safe surface to chop ingredients quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients

Dinner’s on! My Cowboy Stew recipe combines three types of tender meat with beans and veggies in a one-pot wonder delicious enough for everyone!

Ingredients:
– 4 slices turkey bacon, (chopped)
– 2 (12-ounce) packages turkey sausage, (cut into 1/2 inch slices)
– 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, (80/20)
– 1 medium onion, (diced)
– 3 cloves garlic, (minced)
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, (with liquid)
– 2 (16-ounce) cans baked beans, (sweeter) or ranch beans (more savory) (with liquid)
– 1 (7-ounce) can chopped green chilies, (with liquid)
– 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, (with liquid)
– 2 medium russet potatoes, (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons parsley, (chopped)

How to Make Cowboy Stew

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Cook turkey bacon until brown and crispy in a large pot. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess fat.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add turkey sausage to pot drippings and brown on both sides. Adjust heat as needed so fond does not burn. Remove sausage to the plate with bacon; set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef Mixture

Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Brown until beef is no longer pink. Sprinkle flour, salt, pepper, and chili powder over beef mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, cubed potatoes, cooked bacon, browned sausage, and water into the pot. Bring mixture to a boil then immediately reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Garnish your Cowboy Stew with chopped parsley before serving. If stew thickens too much during cooking, add additional water until reaching desired consistency.

Enjoy your hearty Cowboy Stew!

How to Serve Cowboy Stew

Cowboy Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
• Cornbread: Pair with sweet cornbread for a delightful contrast in flavors.

Topped with Cheese

• Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar on top for added richness.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumble cotija cheese over the stew for a tangy twist.

Garnished with Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro: Add fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and flavor.
• Green Onions: Top with sliced green onions for an extra crunch and mild onion flavor.

Accompanied by Salad

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad can balance the richness of Cowboy Stew.
• Coleslaw: Serve creamy coleslaw on the side for a refreshing complement.

How to Perfect Cowboy Stew

To ensure your Cowboy Stew turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold Flavors: Use high-quality spices and seasonings to enhance the stew’s taste.
• Proper Browning: Brown meats well before adding other ingredients to develop deep flavors.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the stew to simmer gently; this helps meld all flavors beautifully.
• Adjust Thickness: If too thick, add more broth or water gradually to reach desired consistency.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your stew before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Cowboy Stew

Pairing side dishes with your Cowboy Stew makes for a complete meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread: This buttery delight complements the hearty stew perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a cool contrast to warm Cowboy Stew.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf absorbs the stew’s flavors beautifully.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the rustic flavor profile of the stew.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings a healthy element and texture variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cowboy Stew, there are common errors that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to steer clear of them:

• Using the wrong meat: Cowboy Stew is traditionally made with pork, but substituting it with chicken, beef, or turkey enhances the flavor without compromising on taste.

• Skipping the browning step: Browning your meat and vegetables adds depth and flavor to the stew. Avoid this mistake by taking the time to properly sauté each ingredient before adding liquids.

• Neglecting seasoning: Proper seasoning is key for a delicious Cowboy Stew. Avoid blandness by tasting as you go and adjusting salt, pepper, and spices accordingly.

• Overcooking potatoes: If you add potatoes too early, they can become mushy. To prevent this, add them halfway through cooking for a perfectly tender texture.

• Not letting it simmer long enough: Simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t rush this step; aim for at least an hour on low heat for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the stew to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain quality.

Freezing Cowboy Stew

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Cowboy Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl; heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cowboy Stew:

What is Cowboy Stew?

Cowboy Stew is a hearty one-pot dish featuring meat, beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd!

How do I make Cowboy Stew more spicy?

To increase the spice level in your Cowboy Stew, consider adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Can I customize my Cowboy Stew?

Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables or use different types of meat based on your preference.

How do I thicken my Cowboy Stew?

If your stew is too thin, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew while simmering until thickened.

Final Thoughts

Cowboy Stew is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its combination of tender meat and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with different vegetables or spices according to your taste!