This Cowboy Stew is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and colorful veggies, it’s perfect for chilly evenings.
I love making this stew because it’s like a little party in my pot! Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day—if they last that long! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Opt for cuts like chuck or brisket for a tender, flavorful stew. If you want a leaner option, try sirloin or even turkey for a lighter dish.
Vegetables: This stew is flexible! Feel free to add bell peppers or replace potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different taste. If you’re avoiding carbs, skip the potatoes and add more beans or veggies.
Spices: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too; just know it won’t have the same smoky flavor. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños, depending on your preference.
Kidney Beans: Try black beans or chickpeas if you’re looking for a different protein source or if kidney beans aren’t on hand. They’ll work just fine!
How Do I Get the Beef Tender and Flavorful?
Getting tender beef in your stew is key! Start with browning the beef cubes properly to lock in flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat oil in your pot over medium-high heat.
- Don’t crowd the pot—brown the beef in batches if needed. This gives you a nice crust.
- Once browned, don’t skip the simmering step! Cover and cook low and slow to break down the tough fibers, resulting in deliciously tender beef.
These tips will help you make a hearty Cowboy Stew that’s perfect for cold nights. Enjoy the warmth and flavors!
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
For the Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty stew will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 2 to 2.5 hours to cook, giving you a total of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It’s worth the wait as the flavors meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes, taking care to not overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, which should take around 4-5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Combine Everything:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice. Stir everything together until nicely combined.
4. Add Spices:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix in all the flavors.
5. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is nice and tender.
6. Add the Vegetables:
Once the beef is tender, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir them in and continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, until the veggies are tender.
7. Finish It Up:
Now, stir in the corn kernels and kidney beans. Let the stew cook for another 10 minutes until everything is heated through and delicious.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Before serving, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Hearty Cowboy Stew is ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Enjoy your cozy bowl of stew perfect for cold nights!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat gives a rich flavor, you can use pork or chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will cook faster than beef.
How Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more beans like chickpeas or black beans, and include a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini.
Can I Freeze Leftover Stew?
Yes! Allow the stew to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth if needed.
What Can I Serve With Cowboy Stew?
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or over rice for a complete meal. A simple side salad also complements the rich flavors nicely!
