Hearty Cowboy Stew: A Comforting Family Favorite Recipe

Cowboy Stew is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, blending hearty ingredients that dance together in a pot to create flavor harmony. Imagine the aroma of tender beef mingling with zesty spices and fresh vegetables, leaving you drooling before it even hits your bowl. For more inspiration, check out this quick lunch ideas recipe.

This dish brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed as we gathered around the table. The rich flavors and textures of Cowboy Stew make it the perfect comfort food for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively barbecue. Get ready for an explosion of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes for the family recipe.

Sharing this delightful stew at my last family reunion had everyone reminiscing about their childhood favorites while enjoying every bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a rich flavor without excessive grease.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the depth; use about 3 minced cloves.

• Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red and green for visual appeal and crunch.

• Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes with juices for added moisture and tang.

• Kidney Beans: These add protein and texture; ensure they are rinsed well before adding.

• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping it hearty.

• Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika elevate the flavor profile significantly.

• Corn: Fresh or frozen corn adds sweetness and color; stir in towards the end of cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cowboy Stew

Gather Your Ingredients: Assemble all your ingredients on the counter to ensure you have everything ready before starting. This makes cooking smooth and efficient.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until they are fragrant and onions turn translucent.

Add the Meat: Incorporate the ground beef into the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned all over—about 5-7 minutes—ensuring it’s no longer pink.

Toss in Vegetables: Stir in chopped bell peppers along with canned tomatoes (juices included). Allow them to mingle for about 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.

Add Broth and Beans: Pour in beef broth followed by rinsed kidney beans. Give it a good stir and bring to a simmer, letting all flavors blend beautifully.

Season It Up: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the pot. Taste-test after simmering for 10 minutes to adjust seasoning if needed.

Now all that’s left is to let your Cowboy Stew bubble away while you enjoy its delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen! Serve this comforting dish hot in bowls garnished with fresh cilantro or cheese if desired—it’s sure to satisfy any cowboy’s hunger!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meat for maximum flavor, then add veggies and liquids gradually for even cooking. This ensures everything melds together perfectly, creating that rich cowboy stew flavor everyone loves.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap beef for chicken or add beans for extra protein. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or chili powder to personalize your cowboy stew according to your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore that delicious consistency.

Cooking up this cowboy stew always reminds me of rainy days spent with family. The laughter around the table while enjoying this hearty dish makes every moment memorable and warms the soul.

FAQ

Can I make cowboy stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, simply brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

What sides pair well with cowboy stew?

Cornbread, biscuits, or a fresh garden salad complement cowboy stew perfectly.

How do I thicken my cowboy stew?

You can thicken it by adding cornstarch slurry or mashing some beans into the mix.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Cowboy Stew

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Cowboy Stew is a delicious one-pot meal that combines tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of spices for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this comforting dish warms the soul with every bite, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mix of red and green)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients for efficient cooking.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as you cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Stir in the bell peppers and canned tomatoes; cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in the beef broth and add rinsed kidney beans; stir and bring to a simmer.
6. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Stir in corn towards the end of cooking; serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro or cheese if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg