When you need a satisfying, no-fuss meal that’s packed with flavor, Cowboy Stew is the answer. This dish is a hearty mix of savory ingredients, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or prepping for the week ahead. Whether you're cooking for a group of teenagers, your firehouse crew, or just want a comfort meal for the family, Cowboy Stew delivers every time.
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 3 lb ground beef
- 3 packages kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans peeled and diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, with liquid
- 1 (15.2 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, with liquid
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups water
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Sauté the Onion and Brown the Beef
In a large cooking pot over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease if needed. -
Add the Sausage
Stir in the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Combine the Ingredients
Add the drained peeled and diced tomatoes, pinto beans (with liquid), corn (drained), potatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies (with liquid), and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir well to combine. -
Season the Stew
Mix in the ground cumin, chili powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. -
Add Water and Simmer
Pour in 4 cups of water and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should be tender, and the flavors will have fully combined. -
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Cowboy Stew into bowls and serve hot. This meal pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of cornbread for an added touch of comfort.
Tips for Success
- Make It Your Own: Add extra spices like smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cowboy Stew stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat and enjoy!
- Slow Cooker Option: You can prepare this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the onions beforehand, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Why Cowboy Stew?
This meal truly has it all: protein-packed beef and sausage, hearty potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and a bold kick of seasoning. It’s perfect for cold nights, big appetites, or when you want a filling, one-pot meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Make a batch of Cowboy Stew today and bring a little wild west comfort to your table!