Get ready for a rustic, flavor-packed adventure with this Cowboy Stew Recipe! This hearty classic brings together smoky bacon, punchy spices, savory sausage, and an abundance of colorful veggies for a soul-warming meal that’s just made for sharing. Whether you’re cooking up a storm for a family gathering or just craving a bowl of something filling and satisfying, this Cowboy Stew Recipe never disappoints. Every spoonful is loaded with robust flavor and big, comforting textures that capture the spirit of an old-fashioned campfire supper—right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Cowboy Stew Recipe is how it transforms humble, everyday ingredients into something truly memorable. Each component has a job to do—bringing smoky undertones, adding bright pops of color, or giving the stew its signature chunky, stick-to-your-ribs vibe.

Bacon: Smoky and crispy, bacon adds a savory foundation (and bacon fat!) for depth of flavor.
Ground beef: The hearty, meaty bulk of the stew—go for 80/20 for extra richness.
Kielbasa sausage: A smoked sausage like Kielbasa gives an irresistible, slightly spicy upgrade (and extra heartiness).
Yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic, onions melt down into savory goodness that perfumes every bite.
Carrots: Their sweetness and vivid orange hue add color and gentle contrast to the stew.
Garlic: Just a few cloves, but mighty—garlic delivers that irresistible backnote of flavor.
Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika: These spices create the bold, smoky-sweet flavor that screams “cowboy!”
Rotel tomatoes: Canned tomatoes with green chilies brighten things up with a zippy, tangy bite.
Pinto beans: Creamy and filling, pintos give the stew its classic Southwestern feel.
Whole kernel corn: Sweet golden corn bursts in your mouth with every bite—don’t skip it!
Beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps everything marvelously brothy and cozy.
Yukon Gold potatoes: Their buttery texture soaks up all the glorious flavors—dice them evenly for the perfect bite.
Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of freshness and vivid green color.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Always taste and season to your liking; these make everything sing!
Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional): A handful of chopped herbs adds a final burst of color and herbaceous aroma.

How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start the Cowboy Stew Recipe by getting your bacon sizzling in a Dutch oven or big sturdy pot over medium heat. Cook until it’s perfectly crisp, then scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside for now. Don’t toss that glorious bacon fat—it’s going to infuse the entire stew with smoky, irresistible flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Veggies

To the same pot, drop in your ground beef. Use a spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. When it’s about halfway browned, add the sliced Kielbasa, chopped onions, and carrots. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef has lost its pink color and the onions have turned translucent—this layering of flavors is what makes the Cowboy Stew Recipe so special.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Turn down the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoky paprika. For just one minute, let those spices bloom and mingle with the rendered fat. You’ll smell the magic happening right away—this is where the stew starts to smell like a campfire cookout!

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Pour in the Rotel tomatoes, drained pinto beans, corn, beef broth, and diced potatoes. Give everything a thorough stir, increase the heat just until the pot comes to a gentle boil, then immediately lower it so the stew can simmer. Let it bubble away for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and all the flavors have melded beautifully together.

Step 5: Finish the Stew

Right before serving, add the frozen peas and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes—this keeps them vibrantly green and snappy. Taste and season with plenty of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro (and that crispy reserved bacon!) just before ladling up.

How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish adds flair and freshness. Crispy reserved bacon crumbles are a must, but fresh parsley or cilantro make every bowl look and taste brighter. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese or sliced jalapeños also gives this Cowboy Stew Recipe a little extra personality.

Side Dishes

There’s nothing like a thick chunk of crusty bread or a skillet of warm cornbread to help mop up those tasty juices. For a lighter touch, try a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette beside your steaming bowl of Cowboy Stew Recipe—both options balance out all that bold, comforting flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Level up your presentation by serving the stew in mini bread bowls or as a fun topping for baked potatoes. You can also ladle it into mugs for casual outdoor gatherings or stake gatherings—every way still keeps the spirit of the Cowboy Stew Recipe alive, with a creative twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Cowboy Stew Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it’ll keep beautifully for up to four days. As the flavors continue to meld, leftovers can taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This Cowboy Stew Recipe is very freezer-friendly. Let the stew cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a pot over medium heat until piping hot. If using the microwave, stir every couple of minutes for even heating. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much in storage.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best for Cowboy Stew Recipe?

Smoked Kielbasa is a classic pick for this dish, but any smoked sausage or even spicy andouille will taste wonderful—use what you love or what you have on hand!

Can I make Cowboy Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the bacon and beef on the stovetop, then transfer everything (except the peas and garnish) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, stir in peas at the end, and finish as directed.

How do I make this stew vegetarian?

Just skip the meat and bacon, and use canned beans (like kidney or black beans) plus extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for texture. Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and you’ll still capture the cozy essence of Cowboy Stew Recipe.

What’s the best way to get tender potatoes?

Make sure your potatoes are diced evenly and small enough to cook through in the simmering time—about 1/2-inch cubes work perfectly! Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape while becoming deliciously creamy.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Cowboy Stew Recipe is highly versatile. Try adding chopped bell peppers, green beans, or even a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bubbling pot of Cowboy Stew Recipe on the stove—warmth, comfort, and big flavors in every bite. I hope you’re inspired to grab your biggest pot and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this seriously satisfying classic. Happy cooking!

Cowboy Stew Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Cowboy Stew recipe that combines bacon, ground beef, Kielbasa sausage, vegetables, and spices in a comforting one-pot dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.

Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.
Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the sliced sausage, onions, and carrots. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft.
Add the Spices: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Simmer the Stew: Add the Rotel tomatoes, pinto beans, corn, beef broth, and diced potatoes. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a low boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Finish the Stew: Add the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Notes

You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less chili powder and smoked paprika.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or celery.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American