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Simple and Easy Cowboy Stew Recipe

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Cowboy stew is one of those comforting, hearty meals that fills the kitchen with an inviting aroma and leaves everyone wanting seconds. It's loaded with ground beef, sausage, beans, and a mix of veggies, and every bite of it is as addicting as the last. Plus, making it and cleaning up after making it is a breeze since the entire recipe gets made in just one pot.

Cowboy stew in a ceramic bowl on top of a ceramic plate with a spoon in the bowl. The soup is garnished with fresh parsley. The plate is served with sliced bread on a white counter with additional plates of garnishes and a stock pot of cowboy stew.

My Take on Cowboy Stew

I recently found this cowboy stew recipe in my mom's old cookbook, and after the first time I made it, I knew it wouldn't be my last.

I love chili, and this recipe is super reminiscent of chili but in a heartier way. The element of potatoes bring that stew vibe to the dish...and it's sort of like if stew and chili made a baby together - that's what cowboy stew is, at least to me.

It makes for a rich, deeply flavored dish that warms you from the inside out - perfect for those chilly nights we're starting to have here in Buffalo. If you've got some cold nights ahead of you give this one a try, it's sure to make you belly and your tastebuds happy.

Cowboy stew in a ceramic bowl on top of a ceramic plate with a spoon in the bowl. The soup is garnished with fresh parsley. The plate is served with sliced bread on a white counter with additional plates of garnishes and a stock pot of cowboy stew.

Ingredients for Cowboy Stew

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it uses ingredients I usually have on hand, making it both convenient and budget-friendly.

Here’s what you need:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1lb ground beef
  • 12oz sausage (casing removed)
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 stalk celery diced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 0.5 lb yukon gold potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces (2 medium potatoes)
  • 1.5 Tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 can diced tomatoes with juices

  • ½  (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½  (15-ounce) can baked beans, with liquid
  • ½ (15-ounce) can corn drained

  • 1 7-oz can chopped green chilies
  • 2-3 cups beef broth 
  • 1 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½  teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoons chili powder

  • Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

An overhead shot of several bowls in various sizes containing ingredients to make cowboy stew including ground beef, diced potatoes, black beans, sausage, baked beans, corn, diced tomatoes, seasonings, and more.

How to Make Cowboy Stew 

Just 4 simple and easy steps are all you have to follow to make this delicious stew recipe.

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Veggies

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef and sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot, cooking until softened, then add garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

A stock pot with ground beef and beef cooking in oil. The pot is on a white counter with a white cloth napkin.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black beans, baked beans, corn, green chilies, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, and 2 cups of beef broth. Mix well, adding more broth if you want a thinner consistency.

A stock pot with cooked ground meat topped with corn, potatoes, beans, and tomatoes. The pot is on a white counter with a white cloth napkin.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 16-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

A stock pot with cowboy stew simmering in broth. The pot is on a white counter with a white cloth napkin.

Step 4: Adjust and Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. Serve hot with your favorite toppings—shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions work perfectly.

A stock pot with cowboy stew simmering in broth. The pot is on a white counter with a white cloth napkin.

My Expert Tips for Cowboy Stew

  • Adjust the consistency for your tastes: For a thicker stew, use less broth. For a soupier texture, add an extra cup of broth.
  • Add flavor depth with spices: For even more flavor, try adding a dash of cumin or smoked paprika to enhance the smokiness.
  • Don't be afraid to use fresh or frozen corn: Fresh corn kernels or frozen corn can be used in place of canned for a crunchier texture.
  • Make It Ahead: Cowboy stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, so feel free to make it a day ahead!

Cowboy stew served in a ceramic bowl on a ceramic plate with a spoon in the bowl. The stew is garnished with fresh parsley and the bowl is on a white counter.

FAQ's About This Cowboy Stew Recipe

Can I make this cowboy stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Just brown the meat and then transfer it - along with all of the other ingredients - to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

What toppings go well with cowboy stew?

Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or even a handful of tortilla chips add great texture and flavor.

Can I freeze leftover stew?

Absolutely! Cowboy stew freezes well for up to three months. Then, when you're ready to eat it, just thaw it and warm it up in a pot on the stovetop.

Is there a substitute for beef broth?

Chicken or vegetable broth works well if you don’t have beef broth on hand.

What other beans can I use?

Pinto or kidney beans are great alternatives to black beans for a twist on the flavor.

A bowl of cowboy stew garnished with fresh parsley with a spoon inside the bowl. The bowl is on a ceramic plate and there is a hand dipping a slice of bread into the stew. The plate is on a white counter.

Final Thoughts

This cowboy stew is a perfect comforting meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.

It’s hearty, flavorful, and made for sharing with friends and family. So, whether you make it for a family dinner or prep it ahead, it’s bound to be a favorite!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it as much as I/we do. As always, if you try it, let me know how it goes for you in the comments below.

Cowboy stew in a ceramic bowl on top of a ceramic plate with a slice of bread. The soup is garnished with fresh parsley. The plate is on a white counter with a stock pot of stew and white cloth napkin.

More Dinner Recipes to Try Next

Yield: 4-6 servings

Simple and Easy Cowboy Stew Recipe

Cowboy stew in a ceramic bowl on top of a ceramic plate with a spoon in the bowl. The soup is garnished with fresh parsley. The plate is served with sliced bread on a white counter with additional plates of garnishes and a stock pot of cowboy stew.

Cowboy stew is one of those comforting, hearty meals that fills the kitchen with an inviting aroma and leaves everyone wanting seconds. Loaded with ground beef, sausage, beans, and a mix of veggies, this stew is all about bold flavors. It’s a true one-pot wonder, perfect for cold days or when you want a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lbs ground beef
  • 12 oz sausage, casing removed
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 stalk celery diced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 0.5 lb yukon gold potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 Tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 can diced tomatoes with juices

  • ½ (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ (15-ounce) can baked beans, with liquid
  • ½ (15-ounce) can corn drained

  • 1 7-oz can chopped green chilies
  • 2-3 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoons chili powder

  • Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and sausage. Cook for a few minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure no pink remains.

    2. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

    3. Stir in the remaining ingredients, including spices and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir everything until well combined, then add up to 1 cups more broth (if needed) to reach the desired consistency.

    4. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 16-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

    5. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. Serve hot with your desired toppings. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 905Total Fat: 49gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 2648mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 12gSugar: 21gProtein: 56g
© Brendan Cunningham
Cuisine: Soup / Category: Dinner
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