Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe: A Rustic Campfire Classic

When the hunger strikes for a robust cowboy stew that packs a punch of flavor, nothing satisfies quite like this rustic culinary treasure.

Packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew captures the spirit of rugged frontier cooking.

Each spoonful tells a story of campfire traditions and home-cooked comfort.

Robust spices dance through the mix, creating layers of depth that warm you from the inside out.

The ingredients meld together in a symphony of taste that speaks to simple, nourishing meals.

Bold and unpretentious, this stew stands as a testament to classic American cooking.

You’ll find yourself drawn back for seconds, eager to savor every last delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 7

All You’ll Need For Cowboy Stew

• Ground Beef: Brings rich, hearty flavor and provides substantial protein for the stew's foundation.
• Smoked Sausage: Adds smoky depth and additional protein with a classic cowboy-style taste.

• Onion: Builds a robust flavor base and provides subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic undertones that complement the meaty elements.

• Baby Potatoes: Adds creamy texture and filling substance to the stew.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy acidity and vibrant color.
• Ranch-Style Beans: Introduces southwestern flair and extra protein.
• Corn: Brings sweet crunch and bright yellow color.
• Rotel: Delivers zesty kick with diced tomatoes and green chilies.

• Beef Broth: Creates rich, savory liquid base for simmering.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens umami flavor with complex tang.
• Chili Powder: Adds warm, slightly spicy southwestern character.
• Paprika: Contributes subtle smokiness and beautiful reddish hue.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle, warming heat.

Tools You’ll Want For Cowboy Stew

• Dutch Oven or Stockpot: Essential large pot for browning meat and cooking the entire stew, providing deep sides and even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, slicing sausage, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise cutting of vegetables and meat.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding spices like chili powder and salt.
• Ladle: Great for serving the hot stew into individual bowls.

Steps To Follow For Cowboy Stew

• Fire Up the Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a large pot until it turns a rich, golden brown. Toss in sliced smoked sausage and let it dance around for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they release their aromatic magic.

• Toss in the Hearty Mix

Tumble in baby potatoes, juicy diced tomatoes, robust ranch-style beans, sweet corn kernels, and zesty Rotel. Let these ingredients mingle and get acquainted.

• Create the Cowboy Magic

Pour in beef broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Dust the mixture with chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Let everything simmer and get cozy for 20-25 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.

• Serve Up Western Comfort

Scoop generous portions into warm bowls. Pair with golden cornbread, fluffy biscuits, or a crisp side salad for a meal that’ll make cowboys tip their hats.

Extra Tips And Options For Cowboy Stew

• Hearty Hack Attack: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten up the protein profile.
• Spice Lover's Secret: Add a dash of cayenne or jalapeños for extra kick and southwestern flair.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prep champions.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace baby potatoes with cauliflower chunks to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the robust flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Strategy: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat and cook on low for 6-8 hours for ultra-tender results and hands-off convenience.

Ideas For Serving Cowboy Stew

• Rustic Ranch Bread Companion: Slice up warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits to soak up the rich, hearty stew broth and add a delightful southern touch to your meal.
• Cozy Side Salad Pairing: Toss a crisp green salad with ranch dressing to balance the stew's robust flavors and add a fresh, light element to your comforting dinner.
• Cheese Lover's Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of each bowl for an extra creamy, melty layer that enhances the stew's savory profile.
• Spice It Up Option: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicier kick to their cowboy-style comfort food.

Meal Prep And Storage For Cowboy Stew

• Meal Fridge Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the stew fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Transfer cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready when needed.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a splash of beef broth if the stew seems too thick, restoring its original hearty consistency.
• Portion Perfection: Divide stew into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing. This clever approach allows easy single-serving meals, reduces waste, and provides convenient grab-and-go options for busy days.

Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty cowboy stew embodies rustic Western comfort with rich beef, vegetables, and robust seasonings. Cowpokes and dinner guests will savor this satisfying one-pot meal that warms both body and spirit.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (15-oz/425 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-oz/425 g) can ranch-style beans (or pinto beans), drained
• 1 (15-oz/425 g) can corn, drained
• 1 (10-oz/283 g) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meat Foundation: Sear ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, creating caramelized edges and developing deep golden-brown coloration, which builds foundational flavor complexity.
2. Flavor Layering: Introduce smoked sausage to render additional smoky undertones while simultaneously sautéing onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, intensifying the aromatic profile of the emerging stew.
3. Ingredient Integration: Combine baby potatoes, diced tomatoes, ranch-style beans, corn kernels, and Rotel into the robust mixture, ensuring even distribution and allowing each component to contribute its unique textural and taste dimensions.
4. Liquid Infusion: Stream beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the pan, then generously season with chili powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, creating a harmonious liquid base that will tenderize and unite all ingredients.
5. Simmering Transformation: Bring the stew to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and allow ingredients to gently meld and potatoes to become fork-tender through a patient 20-minute simmering process, which concentrates flavors and softens textures.

Notes

• Manage Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef develops a deep golden-brown crust by avoiding overcrowding the pan, which prevents proper caramelization and reduces flavor intensity.
• Control Sausage Texture: Slice smoked sausage uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent smoky flavor throughout the stew.
• Potato Tenderness Trick: Cut baby potatoes into similar-sized pieces to promote equal cooking time, preventing some chunks from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust spice levels gradually, tasting as you go, since Rotel and ranch-style beans already contribute significant flavor complexity to the cowboy stew.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg