This Hearty Cowboy Stew is packed with tasty beef, chunky veggies, and warm spices. It’s perfect for chilly nights when you want something that fills your belly and warms your heart!
Honestly, this stew is like a big hug in a bowl! I love making it on Sunday and enjoying leftovers through the week—so comforting and easy to reheat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stews as it becomes tender when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for alternatives, try stew meat or brisket. For a lighter option, you can use chicken thighs or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Vegetable Oil: Commonly used for browning meat, you can substitute with olive oil or butter. Both will add flavor, though butter can give a richer taste.
Vegetables: Onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, and bell peppers are classic in this stew. Feel free to add other veggies like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans, depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand!
Canned Diced Tomatoes: These add acidity and moisture. You can swap them with fresh tomatoes (just chop them up) or even tomato puree if you prefer a smoother texture.
Beans: Kidney beans add protein and texture to the stew. Black beans or pinto beans also work well if you have them on hand. For a vegetarian option, leave out the beef and double the beans.
How Do You Get the Beef Perfectly Tender?
Browning the beef properly is key to adding flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a heavy pot like a Dutch oven for even heating.
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering but not smoking. This prevents the meat from sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Add the beef in batches for even browning.
- Let the beef sit without moving it for a few minutes to develop a nice crust, then turn it.
- After browning, don’t skip the simmering step. This allows the beef to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors!
Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to adjust according to your taste preferences!
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Meat: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- Beverages & Canned Goods:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty stew takes about 20 minutes to prepare and approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 35 minutes to enjoy a delicious, warming bowl of Cowboy Stew!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
First, pour the vegetable oil into a large heavy pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches. Make sure to brown them evenly on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and cook it until it’s softened and translucent, roughly 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it becomes fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Adding the Liquids:
Now, return the browned beef to the pot. It’s time for the broth and tomatoes! Stir in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juice). Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
4. Cooking the Vegetables:
After the beef has simmered, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and continue to simmer, covered, for an additional 25-30 minutes until the veggies are tender.
5. Final Touches:
Stir in the corn, kidney beans, and all the spices: cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Uncover the pot and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes. This helps meld the flavors together and thicken the stew a bit.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley on top. It’s delish alongside crusty bread for dipping!
Enjoy your comforting Cowboy Stew on those chilly evenings!
FAQ for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is fantastic for its tenderness after cooking, you can use stew meat, brisket, or even chicken thighs for a lighter version. For a vegetarian twist, consider using mushrooms or a variety of beans instead of meat.
How Long Can Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftover Cowboy Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. It also tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
Can I Freeze This Stew?
Yes! This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
What are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve with Cowboy Stew?
This hearty stew pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it over rice for a filling meal. Enjoy!
