This Hearty Cowboy Stew is a warm and filling dish perfect for cozy nights. Packed with delicious beef, tender potatoes, and colorful veggies, it’s a meal that sticks to your ribs!
Every time I make this stew, my house smells amazing, and it’s like a big hug in a bowl! I love to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Choose chuck roast for its richness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try beef round. For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
Vegetable Oil: Any cooking oil works, but olive oil adds a nice flavor. If you’re avoiding oil, sauté the onions and beef in vegetable broth instead.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes work well, but Yukon Gold will add a creamier texture. Sweet potatoes are a tasty substitute for a hint of sweetness.
Beans: Pinto or kidney beans are great, but feel free to mix it up with black beans or chickpeas. They add protein and fiber to the stew.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives depth, but regular paprika or cayenne pepper can be used for heat. If you don’t have some spices, you can opt for an all-purpose seasoning mix.
How Can I Make Sure My Beef Gets Tender?
The key to tender beef is slow cooking. After browning the meat, simmer it gently. Here’s how:
- After adding broth, bring to a boil initially to build flavor.
- Lower the heat and cover the pot to trap moisture. This helps the beef become tender while cooking.
- Cook for at least 1 hour, checking occasionally. If it looks dry, add a little more broth.
Patience is crucial! The longer you let it simmer, the better the flavor and texture.
Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 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
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hearty Cowboy Stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1.5 to 2 hours in total cooking time. It’s a perfect meal to start in the early evening while you enjoy the cozy smells filling your home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning 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 for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds delicious flavor! Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Mixing in the Base:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Then pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes along with their juice. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well!
4. Simmering the Stew:
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 allow the beef to tenderize and the flavors to blend beautifully.
5. Adding the Veggies:
After an hour, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, celery, bell pepper, corn, and beans to the pot. Stir everything together and continue simmering uncovered for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. This is where your stew really comes to life!
6. Final Touches:
Once the vegetables are tender, taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed to suit your taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the hearty cowboy stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It goes perfectly with a slice of crusty bread that you can use to soak up every last bit of that delicious stew!
Enjoy your Cozy Night with this satisfying and flavorful meal!
FAQ for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use a Slow Cooker for This Recipe?
Absolutely! To adapt the recipe for a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add the vegetables halfway through cooking to keep them tender!
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth or homemade stock. For added depth of flavor, you can even dilute a mixture of water and soy sauce (1 tablespoon of soy sauce to 4 cups of water) as a substitute.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Yes! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it up to 2 days in advance. Just let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cowboy stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.
