This hearty Cowboy Stew combines savory bacon, kielbasa sausage, ground beef, and a medley of beans, vegetables, and potatoes in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or weekend gatherings, this one-pot wonder delivers a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. The rustic, Western-inspired dish packs a protein punch while offering the comfort of a traditional stew – it’s sure to become a regular request at your family table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pure Comfort Food: This stew hits all the right notes with its hearty combination of meats, beans, and vegetables swimming in a savory broth.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
Make-Ahead Magic: This stew actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or when you need to feed a crowd.
Crowd-Pleaser: The familiar flavors appeal to nearly everyone, while still offering something a bit more interesting than everyday beef stew.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bacon: Provides a smoky foundation and renders fat that flavors the entire stew. The crispy bits add wonderful texture contrast.
Kielbasa Sausage: Adds a garlicky, smoky flavor that’s distinctly different from the ground beef, creating layers of meaty goodness.
Ground Beef: Forms the protein backbone of the stew. Using 90% lean gives you flavor without excessive grease.
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: The aromatic vegetables that provide the essential flavor base for any good stew.
Garlic: Adds depth and complexity that ties the other flavors together.
All-Purpose Flour: Works as a thickening agent to give the stew body and prevent it from being too soup-like.
Chili Powder: Brings a mild heat and earthy flavor that’s distinctly Southwestern.
Kidney and Black Beans: These different bean varieties add contrasting textures, colors, and nutritional benefits.
Diced Tomatoes: Contribute acidity to balance the rich meats and provide juicy bursts of flavor.
Corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the stew visually and flavor-wise.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These waxy potatoes hold their shape well during cooking and absorb the savory flavors of the broth.
Beef Broth: Forms the liquid base that brings everything together. Low-sodium allows you to control the salt level.

Variations

Spice It Up

Transform this stew into a fiery experience by adding diced jalapeños, a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or swapping in a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies instead of regular diced tomatoes.

Vegetable Boost

Add diced carrots, celery, or zucchini to increase the vegetable content. Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Meat Alternatives

Try ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option, or use smoked brisket pieces for an even more authentic cowboy feel. Vegetarians could substitute plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth.

Bean Variations

Experiment with different bean varieties like pinto, great northern, or navy beans depending on what’s in your pantry.

How to Make Cowboy Stew

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels. Keep one tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot and drain the rest.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add the sliced kielbasa to the pot and cook until nicely browned on both sides. Remove and set aside with the bacon.

Step 3: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

Add ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook everything together, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.

Step 4: Add Seasonings and Thickener

Sprinkle in the flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste and allow the spices to bloom.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the bacon and sausage to the pot. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and diced potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Simmer Until Done

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Layer the Flavors: Browning each meat separately builds multiple layers of flavor that make this stew exceptional.
Dice Evenly: Cut potatoes and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking throughout the stew.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer develops flavors without toughening the meat or breaking down the vegetables too much.
Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasonings before bringing the pot to the table – you might want to add a touch more salt or chili powder.
Let It Rest: If you have time, let the stew sit for 15 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Cowboy Stew is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but it’s especially delicious with a slice of warm cornbread or crusty sourdough for sopping up the flavorful broth.

Toppings Bar

Set out bowls of shredded cheese, sliced green onions, sour cream, and hot sauce to let everyone customize their bowl.

Complete the Meal

For a full spread, serve with a simple side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the stew.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have time to meld together.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through heating time.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the bacon, sausage, and ground beef mixture on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. This method enhances the flavors even more by allowing them to develop slowly.

My stew seems too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your stew is thinner than you’d like, you have a few options. The simplest is to continue simmering uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the simmering stew until it reaches your desired thickness.

Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, though Yukon Golds are ideal because they hold their shape well. Russets will work but may break down more, creating a thicker stew. Red potatoes are another good alternative. Avoid using sweet potatoes as they’ll change the flavor profile significantly.

How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten up this stew, use turkey kielbasa and lean ground turkey instead of the beef and pork products. Increase the vegetable content by adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers. You can also reduce the amount of meat and add extra beans for protein.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Stew brings together the best elements of comfort food – it’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of three different meats creates incredible depth of flavor, while the beans and vegetables round out the dish with texture and nutrition. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for something special to serve weekend guests, this one-pot wonder delivers every time. Give it a try – I’m betting it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!

Cowboy Stew Recipe