Description
This hearty Cowboy Stew combines smoky bacon, spicy kielbasa, and savory ground beef with a medley of beans, vegetables, and potatoes simmered to perfection. Perfect for a filling family meal, this stew offers rich flavors with a balance of protein, fiber, and comforting spices.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 (12-ounce) packages kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, with liquid
- 2 (16-ounce) cans baked beans or ranch beans, with liquid
- 1 (7-ounce) can chopped green chilies, with liquid
- 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, with liquid
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
Seasonings and Others
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until browned and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Brown Sausage: Using the bacon drippings in the pot, brown the kielbasa slices on both sides until they develop a nice sear. Remove the sausage and set aside with the bacon.
- Cook Beef: In the same pot, add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Brown everything together, breaking up the meat. Once mostly cooked, sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the meat mixture and cook for 1 more minute to combine the flavors.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with liquid), baked beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn, and cubed potatoes. Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa to the pot. Add 1 cup of water. Stir everything to combine well.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if you want a thinner consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are tender and flavors melded, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier stew, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or chorizo for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust the water quantity depending on your preferred stew thickness.
- To save time, prepare ingredients in advance and use pre-cooked bacon or sausage.
- This stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed.
