This Hearty Cowboy Stew is the perfect dish for busy nights! Packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and hearty beans, it’s a warm and filling meal the whole family will love.
Honestly, it’s like a big hug in a bowl! I just toss everything in and let it simmer. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day! Who doesn’t love a simple, cozy meal? 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: I like using beef chuck for its great flavor and tenderness when cooked. If you want a leaner option, go for beef round or sirloin instead. Just remember, you may lose a bit of the stew’s richness.
Vegetables: This stew is versatile! Feel free to swap out carrots, celery, or even add bell peppers. If you have leftover veggies, toss them in! It’s a great way to clean out the fridge.
Beans: Kidney and pinto beans pack protein and fiber. If you’re short on time, canned beans save you a step. No kidney beans? Black beans or chickpeas work, too!
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine. For heat, chili powder is optional, but a pinch of cayenne can spice things up nicely!
How Do I Get the Beef Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the beef just right is key to a satisfying stew. Browning the beef adds flavor and depth to your dish.
- Use medium-high heat and work in batches. This prevents steaming and helps achieve that delicious sear.
- Don’t rush it! Let the beef brown before stirring, about 4-5 minutes per side will do.
Once browned, don’t forget to scrape up those tasty bits from the bottom of the pot when you add your broth—this adds amazing flavor!
With these tips, you’ll have a cozy and hearty Cowboy Stew ready for busy nights! Enjoy!
How to Make Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty stew takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to cook on the stove. You’ll save time with this hands-off dish, so you can focus on other tasks while it simmers away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. This will help to achieve a nice sear on the beef, adding loads of flavor.
2. Brown the Beef:
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown them in batches in the pot, making sure to sear all sides for about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Don’t worry if bits stick to the pot; those will add flavor to your stew!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, which takes about 5 minutes. After that, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
4. Combine Everything:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes (juice and all). Stir everything together to combine the flavors!
5. Add Vegetables and Spices:
Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, corn, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if you like it spicy), and bay leaves. Mix it all up well!
6. Simmer Away:
Bring your stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hearty cowboy stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of freshness before serving. This stew goes perfectly with warm crusty bread or cornbread to soak up every delicious drop!
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Hearty Cowboy Stew! It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something nourishing and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is traditional for its flavor and tenderness, you can use other cuts like beef round or even ground beef. If you prefer a lighter option, chicken or turkey would work well, just be sure to adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more beans and lentils for protein!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This stew can be made a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove before serving!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave!
