This Hearty Cowboy Stew is a warm and filling dish loaded with tasty ingredients like beef, beans, and veggies. It’s perfect for cozy dinners when you want something satisfying!
Cooking this stew is a breeze! Throw everything in one pot, let it simmer, and just like that, you’ve got a delicious meal. I always have leftovers, which makes lunch the next day super easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: For the best flavor, use beef chuck. You can also substitute with ground beef or turkey if you prefer a leaner option. Adjust cooking time accordingly as ground meat cooks faster.
Beans: Kidney and pinto beans add texture and nutrition. If you have different beans on hand, feel free to switch them out for black beans or cannellini beans. Just make sure to rinse any canned beans well!
Vegetables: Onion, garlic, and green bell pepper create a lovely base. You could use leeks or shallots instead of onions, and if you’re not fond of green peppers, try using carrots or zucchini for a different flavor.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin give this stew its warmth. If you’re out of chili powder, you can make your own with paprika, cayenne, and some ground cumin. Smoked paprika can be replaced with regular paprika for a milder taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Beef is Tender?
The key to tender beef in this stew is low and slow cooking. Here’s how to ensure your beef turns out perfectly:
- Brown the beef well before adding liquids; this builds flavor.
- Use a heavy pot like a Dutch oven to maintain heat.
- Simmer the stew on low heat and cover it to retain moisture. Aim for 1.5 to 2 hours for maximum tenderness.
- If you’re short on time, consider using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, which can significantly cut down cooking time.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have or enjoy. Happy cooking!
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stew:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty stew will take about 15 minutes to prep and 1.5 to 2 hours to cook. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, allowing you to relax while it simmers. Just let the beef get tender and the flavors meld together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the beef cubes in a single layer and let them brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This will build a nice base for your stew!
3. Add Ingredients and Simmer:
Now, it’s time to return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, pinto beans, diced potatoes, and carrots. Stir everything together well.
4. Season It Up:
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper for some heat. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
5. Let It Cook:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the veggies are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check the consistency; you can add more broth if it gets too thick.
6. Final Touches:
Once done, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like extra heat, you can add more cayenne pepper at this stage!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the hot Cowboy Stew garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. Pair it with crusty bread or serve it over rice for a heartier meal.
Enjoy this comforting and filling dish that’s sure to please family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Slow Cooker for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use a slow cooker! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Stew Meat?
If you’re looking for a different protein, you can substitute beef stew meat with stew meat from lamb or use chicken thighs for a lighter option. Just be mindful that chicken will require a shorter cooking time!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove until heated through.
Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add more beans for protein. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
