This Hearty Cowboy Stew is perfect for a cozy dinner! It’s loaded with tender beef, nutritious veggies, and warm spices that make it super satisfying.
Making this stew is simple; just toss everything into a pot and let it simmer. I love how it fills the kitchen with a delicious smell while cooking—my family can’t wait to dig in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Using chuck roast is great for this stew as it becomes tender when cooked low and slow. If you’re looking for a leaner option, use sirloin or turkey for a lighter dish.
Vegetable Oil: While I prefer vegetable oil for browning the beef, you could also use olive oil or canola oil if that’s what you have. If you’re avoiding oil, you can use broth for sautéing instead.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes lend a nice creaminess, but you can swap them with Yukon gold or red potatoes. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower instead!
Beans: Black beans are my favorite for this stew, but you can switch to kidney beans or pinto beans if you prefer. They add great protein and fiber!
Spices: The chili powder and smoked paprika give depth to the stew. If you’re out of those, cumin alone works too, or you could try taco seasoning for a fun twist.
How Do I Get My Beef to be Tender in the Stew?
Getting that melt-in-your-mouth beef is essential for a good cowboy stew. Here’s how to do it right:
- Brown the beef cubes. This step adds flavor! Heat oil in your pot, then add beef in batches to avoid crowding. Browning should take 5-7 minutes.
- Slow cook it! After adding liquids, let the stew simmer low and slow for at least an hour. This allows the tougher cuts to break down and become tender.
- Don’t rush the vegetables. Add them later in the cooking process so they don’t turn mushy. Let them cook just until tender at the end.
Following these tips should give you a delicious, hearty stew that’s perfect for any dinner table!
How to Make Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty cowboy stew takes about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a little time browning the beef and chopping the veggies, but then it’s just about letting it simmer and fill your home with irresistible aromas!
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 and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once nicely 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 and sauté for about 4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. It’s okay if there’s some brown bits from the beef; they add great flavor to your stew!
3. Add the Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant and you can smell it wafting through the kitchen!
4. Combine Everything:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Then, pour in the beef broth, water, and the can of diced tomatoes with all the juices. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Season the Stew:
Next, add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This will make the beef tender and delicious!
6. Add More Veggies:
After an hour of simmering, it’s time to add the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and cooked through.
7. Finish with Beans and Corn:
Lastly, stir in the black beans and corn kernels. Cook everything for an additional 10 minutes just to heat the beans and corn through.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Now is the time to taste your stew! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if you like it spicier. Personalize it to your flavor preferences!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top. This hearty cowboy stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread or over rice for a complete, satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for This Stew?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is traditional, you can use lamb or pork for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter option, chicken thighs work well too—just cook for a shorter time to prevent them from drying out.
Is This Stew Freezable?
Yes, this cowboy stew freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you love or have on hand—like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure all veggies are tender but not mushy.
How Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian or Vegan?
You can easily adapt this stew by using plant-based protein such as lentils or chickpeas instead of beef. Substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth, and load up on your favorite veggies for a hearty, nourishing dish!
