Cowboy Stew Recipe

Cowboy Stew is a hearty, one-pot dish that captures the essence of comfort food with its robust flavors and rustic ingredients. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew combines ground meat with sweet potatoes, savory spices, and a mix of vegetables for a satisfying meal.

The addition of hickory baked beans adds a delightful smoky sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s flexible and forgiving, allowing you to use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Gather around the table and enjoy a bowl of this delicious stew!

Cowboy Stew

Ingredients:

1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or your choice)

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small can (4 oz) green chilis

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

4 cups beef broth

1 large can (28 oz) hickory baked beans

1-2 tablespoons chili powder (to taste)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions:

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Brown the Meat: Add the ground meat to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Add Sweet Potatoes: Stir in the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.

Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Add the green chilis, diced tomatoes (with their juice), corn, beef broth, hickory baked beans, and chili powder. Stir well to combine.

Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.

Season to Taste: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional chili powder if desired.

Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy!

Notes:

Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.

This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later use.

Enjoy your hearty Cowboy Stew!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option.

Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?

If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, diced carrots, or even butternut squash.

Each option will give the stew a different flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make this stew spicier?

Absolutely! You can add more chili powder, diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat.

Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this stew in advance?

Yes, Cowboy Stew can be made in advance and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

What can I serve with Cowboy Stew?

This stew is hearty on its own but pairs well with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread.

You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

How do I prevent the stew from being too thick?

If your stew turns out too thick, simply add more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to combine.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.

Just make sure to adjust cooking times so everything is tender.

What type of beans can I use?

While hickory baked beans work great for a smoky flavor, you can substitute with other beans like kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.

Just drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the stew.

How long should I simmer the stew?

A simmer of about 30 minutes to 1 hour is ideal.

This allows the flavors to meld together.

If you have more time, you can let it simmer longer for a deeper flavor.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make Cowboy Stew in a slow cooker, brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first.

Then, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.