Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that’s perfect for a cozy evening: Cowboy Stew. This hearty dish is a blend of ground beef, smoked sausage, beans, and veggies, all simmered together in a rich broth. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it, how to make it, and some fun serving suggestions!
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It
Cowboy Stew is a one-pot wonder that combines the best of comfort food with ease of preparation. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The combination of smoky bacon, spicy sausage, and tender beef will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make Cowboy Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pot.
- Brown the Beef and Sausage: Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for a few minutes until slightly browned.
- Add Potatoes and Beans: Stir in diced potatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Season and Simmer: Add beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for about 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Optional: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a filling meal.
- Add some fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color.
- For a lighter option, serve with a side salad.
Tips for Customization
- Spice It Up: Add diced green chilies for an extra kick.
- Meat Lovers: Add more types of sausage or use different meats like chicken.
- Veggie Delight: Add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Cowboy Stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the bacon, sausage, and beef in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 4 hours.
Q: How can I make Cowboy Stew less spicy?
A: Reduce or omit the chili powder and smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
Q: Can I freeze Cowboy Stew?
A: Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing. Reheat gently when needed. Enjoy your delicious Cowboy Stew, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need more recipe ideas!
