Cowboy Stew is a hearty, comforting mix that feels just right when you want something warm and filling. Think tender chunks of beef, potatoes, beans, and lots of tasty veggies all cooked together in a rich broth that’s simple but full of flavor. It’s the kind of stew that sticks to your ribs and makes you feel cozy inside.
I love making Cowboy Stew on a chilly day because it’s easy to toss everything into one pot and let it simmer while I go about my day. There’s something really satisfying about the slow-cooked smell filling the kitchen, and the way those flavors blend over time makes it even better the next day. I usually add a little extra garlic or smoked paprika to give it a bit of a kick — it just makes all the ingredients come alive.
For serving, I like to ladle this stew over warm, crusty bread or alongside a scoop of rice to soak up every last bit of delicious broth. It’s the kind of meal that everyone at the table can enjoy, whether you’re feeding a family or a group of friends. Plus, it’s great for leftovers and tastes just as good warmed up the next day, which usually means a happy tummy for me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Smoked Sausage: These give the stew rich flavor and heartiness. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. And if you can’t find smoked sausage, kielbasa or spicy chorizo work great too.
Potatoes & Carrots: Classic stew veggies that add texture and sweetness. Yukon Gold potatoes hold up well while cooking, but russets or red potatoes work fine. Sweet potatoes can add a nice twist if you want a sweeter flavor.
Green Bell Pepper & Corn: These add freshness and a bit of crunch. If you want more heat, try using a poblano or jalapeño pepper instead. Corn can be canned or frozen — fresh is best but any will do!
Tomatoes & Beef Broth: Tomatoes bring acidity and depth; broth is the stew’s base. If you’re gluten-free, double-check the broth ingredients. Adding tomato paste boosts richness, but you can skip it if you want a lighter stew.
How Can I Make Sure the Vegetables Stay Tender but Not Mushy?
Vegetables can cook unevenly in stew, so here’s a simple way to get them just right:
- Dice all vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Add harder veggies like potatoes and carrots first—they need more time to soften.
- Add more delicate veggies, like bell peppers and corn, toward the end so they keep some texture.
- Keep heat low during simmering and cover the pot so veggies cook gently without falling apart.
- Check veggies by piercing with a fork; they should be tender but not mushy.
This way you get a stew with nicely cooked veggies that still have a bit of bite to them. Patience and timing make all the difference here!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot – great for even heat and slow simmering all the stew ingredients together.
- Sharp chef’s knife – makes dicing potatoes, carrots, and peppers easy and safe.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface to chop veggies without slipping.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – perfect for stirring the stew without scratching your pot.
- Measuring spoons – to get your spices just right without guessing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter stew with less fat.
- Add diced sweet potatoes for a hint of natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Mix in black beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.
- Stir in a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley at the end for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Spices & Seasoning:
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cowboy Stew takes about 10 minutes for prep and roughly 40 minutes for cooking, including simmering time. So, plan on about 50 minutes total to make this delicious, hearty stew.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Veggies:
In the same pot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. If there is excess fat, drain it off. Then add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Add Spices and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to let the spices release their aroma and flavors.
4. Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Vegetables:
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and corn. Bring everything to a boil.
5. Let It Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Finish with Sausage and Adjust Taste:
Return the browned smoked sausage to the pot and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes to heat through. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the warm stew into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, and serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your hearty, comforting Cowboy Stew!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in Cowboy Stew?
Yes! Frozen corn and bell peppers work well. Just add them a little later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking and maintain their texture.
How Can I Make This Stew Spicier?
Try adding extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some chopped jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can adjust the heat to your taste easily.
Can I Prepare Cowboy Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cowboy Stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen stew overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.
