Cowboy Stew brings together the bold flavors of chili and beef stew for a hearty, comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. Loaded with bacon, smoky kielbasa, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, beans, and tomatoes, this rich stew is perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
A Bold and Rustic Stew Your Family Will Love
This stew layers flavors right from the start. Bacon adds smoky richness. Kielbasa brings depth. Ground beef makes the stew hearty and satisfying. Aromatic onions, garlic, and warm spices create a savory base. Beans and tomatoes give it classic chili appeal, while potatoes make every spoonful extra filling. The long simmer melds everything together beautifully.
Why Cowboy Stew Works for Busy Nights
Cowboy Stew is incredibly versatile and works well for weeknights or weekend cooking. It cooks in one pot, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day. The ingredients are budget-friendly and easy to find. It’s a comforting meal that doesn’t require complicated steps, making it ideal for busy cooks.
Ingredients That Build Western Flavor
This recipe uses a combination of proteins and pantry staples to create depth. Bacon gives the stew its smoky foundation. Kielbasa enhances the savory profile. Ground beef adds richness. Beans and tomatoes bring classic chili-style heartiness, while potatoes soften into tender, flavorful bites. The spices create warmth without overwhelming the dish.
How to Make Cowboy Stew Step-by-Step
You begin by crisping the bacon and browning the sausage. This builds flavor in the pot. Next, you cook the ground beef with onion and garlic. Flour thickens the base. Broth, beans, potatoes, and tomatoes create a robust stew that simmers until everything is tender. A touch of parsley at the end adds brightness to the deep, savory flavors.
Serving and Enjoying Cowboy Stew
Serve this stew piping hot with chopped parsley. It pairs perfectly with cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread. You can top each bowl with shredded cheese or a spoonful of sour cream if you love extra richness. This stew freezes well, making it an excellent meal-prep option.
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Cowboy Stew: A Hearty One-Pot Meal Loaded With Western Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
A hearty, flavorful Cowboy Stew made with bacon, kielbasa, beef, beans, tomatoes, and potatoes for the perfect chili-stew fusion.
Ingredients
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 (12–14 ounce) package kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 (15-ounce) cans ranch-style or chili beans, with liquid
1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, drained
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilis, with liquid
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Fresh chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
1. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until crisp, then remove to a plate.
2. Brown kielbasa in bacon drippings and set aside.
3. Leave 1 tablespoon fat in the pot and discard the rest.
4. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic and cook until lightly browned.
5. Stir in flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until fragrant.
6. Add chicken broth, beans, corn, tomatoes, and potatoes.
7. Bring to a boil, then return bacon and sausage to the pot.
8. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender.
9. Serve hot with chopped parsley.
Notes
This stew tastes even better the next day.
Freezes well—store in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
Keywords: cowboy stew, beef stew, chili stew, one-pot meal, hearty stew