
Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for chilly days. It’s simple to make and packed with flavors and nutrition. This recipe combines meat, beans, and a variety of vegetables, making it a complete meal in one pot. It’s great for feeding a crowd or for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week.
How to Make Cowboy Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Add bell pepper, carrots, and potatoes; cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the kidney beans, corn, beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy your hearty meal!
How to Serve Cowboy Stew
Serve Cowboy Stew hot in bowls. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top for added flavor. This stew pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cowboy Stew
Let the Cowboy Stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Cowboy Stew
- You can brown the beef in batches to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Feel free to add more vegetables based on what you have at home, such as zucchini or green beans.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste; if you like it spicier, add some cayenne pepper.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cowboy Stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
2. Is Cowboy Stew gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe does not include any gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for those who are gluten-sensitive.
3. Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you may use canned vegetables. Just be sure to drain them and adjust the cooking time because they may not need to cook as long as fresh vegetables.

Cowboy Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained Canned versions are acceptable.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained Canned versions are acceptable.
- 4 cups beef broth Can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Add bell pepper, carrots, and potatoes; cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the kidney beans, corn, beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy your hearty meal!
