Description
This hearty and flavorful Cowboy Stew combines crispy bacon, smoky kielbasa, ground beef, and an array of vegetables and beans simmered together to create a comforting and filling one-pot meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 (12-ounce) packages kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, with liquid
- 2 (16-ounce) cans baked beans or ranch beans, with liquid
- 1 (7-ounce) can chopped green chilies, with liquid
- 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, with liquid
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Seasonings & Other
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Brown Sausage: Add the kielbasa slices to the pot with the bacon drippings. Brown the sausage on both sides, adjusting heat as necessary to prevent the browned bits (fond) from burning. Remove the sausage and place it on the plate with the bacon; set aside.
- Brown Beef, Onion, and Garlic: Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Remaining Ingredients & Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes, baked beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn, cubed potatoes, cooked bacon, cooked sausage, and water. Stir to combine. Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Consistency & Garnish: After simmering, check the stew’s consistency. Add additional water if it is too thick. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier stew, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use ranch beans for a more savory profile or baked beans if you prefer a sweeter stew.
- Feel free to substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or chorizo for varied flavors.
- If thicker stew is preferred, reduce the amount of water slightly or simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- This stew stores well and tastes even better the next day once flavors meld.
Keywords: cowboy stew, kielbasa stew, beef and sausage stew, one-pot meal, hearty stew, American comfort food