Get ready for a warm hug in a bowl with this Hearty Cowboy Stew! Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and colorful veggies, it’s a simple and filling meal. Perfect for busy nights!
This stew is a family favorite at my home. I love how it fills everybody up and warms us right up. Plus, it’s easy to make in one pot—so less mess, hooray!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I recommend using chuck roast for its rich flavor and tenderness. If you want a lighter option, try using turkey or chicken. You could also use vegetarian protein options like lentils or mushrooms for a meatless stew.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best here. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, swap with cauliflower for a similar texture. Sweet potatoes can add a nice twist as well.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: I use no-salt-added diced tomatoes for better control over the seasoning. You can replace them with fresh tomatoes—just peel and chop them—or tomato sauce for a smoother stew.
Spices: Feel free to adjust spices to your taste. If you’re a fan of heat, add some cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños. Smoky chipotle powder also works nicely if you want a deeper flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Meat for Stew?
Brown meat properly to add great flavor to your stew! Here’s how:
- Start with a hot pot! Heat oil on medium-high until shimmering.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat in batches if necessary; this helps it to sear instead of steam.
- Let the meat cook without stirring for about 2-3 minutes before flipping, creating that lovely crust.
This step might take a little time, but it makes a huge difference in the final dish!
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty cowboy stew will take about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Most of this time is hands-off, giving you a chance to relax while the stew simmers and fills your kitchen with delicious aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor! Once browned, take the beef out of the pot and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing!
3. Adding Flavors:
Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook this mixture for another minute to get all those delicious flavors out into the air!
4. Putting It All Together:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and the diced tomatoes (with all the juices). Give it a good stir to combine everything.
5. Simmering the Stew:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour until the beef is tender. This is the time to relax!
6. Adding More Veggies:
Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
7. Final Touches:
Stir in the frozen corn and kidney beans, and let everything heat through for another 5 minutes. Taste the stew and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
8. Serving Up:
Ladle the hearty cowboy stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Enjoy your delicious meal with some crusty bread or over rice for a very fulfilling dinner!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use a Different Kind of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is traditional, you can substitute it with pork, turkey, or even chicken. For a plant-based option, use mushrooms or lentils for a hearty alternative!
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just add the kidney beans and corn in the last 30 minutes of cooking!
How Do I Store Leftover Stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Adjust the Seasoning?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. For a smokier flavor, a dash more of smoked paprika works well too!
