This Hearty Cowboy Stew is perfect for chilly evenings! Packed with tender beef, warm potatoes, and colorful veggies, it’s a filling dish that warms you from the inside out.
There’s nothing like a bowl of this stew after a long day. I always add a slice of crusty bread for dipping—so good! Trust me, it’s a comfort meal you’ll want on repeat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This is a great choice for stew because it becomes tender during long cooking. If you prefer, you can substitute with sirloin or stew meat—just make sure they have some fat for flavor.
Vegetable Oil: This is used for browning the beef. You can also use olive oil or canola oil. For a nice flavor twist, try using bacon fat if you have it on hand!
Onion and Garlic: They create a flavorful base. Always opt for yellow onions for their sweetness, but white onions or shallots can work too. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes for their fluffiness. You can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or swap for sweet potatoes for a twist!
Beans: Kidney beans add heartiness but feel free to use black beans or pinto beans based on your taste or what you have available.
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Tender?
To achieve tender beef, slow cooking is key. Start by browning the beef in batches to develop flavor. Here’s the method:
- Heat the pot on medium-high before adding the oil and beef.
- Avoid overcrowding the pot; this helps in browning rather than steaming.
- Use low heat to simmer after adding broth—this gentle cooking breaks down tough fibers.
Time is your friend here; giving it that hour to simmer really works magic!
Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe for Cold Nights
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty stew will take about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 1.5 hours of cooking time. So, in total, you should plan for around 2 hours from start to finish. It’s worth every second for a bowl of warm, comforting stew!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches. Brown them on all sides—this should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it’s fragrant—this is where the magic starts!
3. Simmering the Stew Base:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Now, stir in the beef broth and water. Toss in the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
4. Adding the Vegetables and Seasonings:
After the beef is tender, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, sliced celery, undrained diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn to the pot. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Final Simmer:
Allow the stew to simmer uncovered for another 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened to your liking.
6. Taste and Serve:
Once done, remove the bay leaf from the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley on top. This stew is perfect with crusty bread or over rice for a heartwarming meal!
Enjoy your Hearty Cowboy Stew, perfect for those cozy cold nights!
FAQ for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Beef Chuck?
Yes, you can use ground beef! Just brown it fully in step one, and then drain excess fat before moving on with the recipe. Keep in mind that ground beef may cook faster than cubed beef, so reduce simmering time accordingly.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add all other ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This will yield a deliciously rich flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes, definitely! If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether. For more heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Just adjust slowly to find your ideal spice level!
