This Cowboy Stew is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly nights! Packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and colorful veggies, it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl.
The best part? It’s easy to make and tastes even better the next day! Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy—it’s comfort food at its finest! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is the best option for tender beef as it becomes so soft when cooked. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use ground beef or even turkey for a lighter option.
Vegetable Oil: Canola or olive oil can also be used in place of vegetable oil. I prefer olive oil for its flavor, but be careful about using it at too high heat.
Vegetables: Feel free to swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes or add more veggies like zucchini and mushrooms. The more variety, the better!
Beans: If you want to add protein but don’t have beans on hand, consider cooked lentils as a delicious alternative. They mix well in stews too!
How Do You Ensure the Beef Becomes Tender?
The secret to tender beef in this stew is all about cooking it low and slow. Here’s how to get it right:
- Brown the beef properly in batches to build flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot.
- Let the stew simmer after bringing it to a boil. The longer the simmer, the more tender the beef.
- Stir occasionally and ensure the lid is on to keep the moisture in. This will help break down the beef fibers.
Always check towards the end to see if your beef is fork-tender! If it’s not, let it cook a little longer.
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup cooked kidney beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes for prep and 1.5 to 2 hours for cooking. The beef needs time to simmer and become tender, so give yourself a cozy couple of hours to enjoy making this delicious stew!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches (this helps them brown nicely!). Brown each side for a few minutes, then take the beef out and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and let it sauté for about 4 minutes until it’s soft. Then, sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want it to smell super fragrant!
3. Building the Stew:
Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and the undrained diced tomatoes, stirring everything together. This will form the delicious base of your stew.
4. Adding Spices:
Next, mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and a bit of salt and pepper. Give it another good stir to blend all the flavors.
5. Simmering the Beef:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This is where the magic happens—the beef gets tender and oh-so-delicious!
6. Adding the Veggies:
After an hour, it’s time to add in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, celery, green bell pepper, and corn. If you’re adding beans, toss them in now too. Stir everything well to mix.
7. Finishing the Cook:
Cover the pot again and let it cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Tasting and Adjusting:
Before serving, take a moment to taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It should be flavorful and satisfying!
9. Serving:
Serve your hearty cowboy stew hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair it with some crusty bread or a warm slice of cornbread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Enjoy this delicious Cowboy Stew on a chilly night—it’s pure comfort food!
FAQ for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute beef stew meat with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add legumes like lentils or chickpeas for added protein!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this cowboy stew freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What Can I Serve With Cowboy Stew?
This stew pairs well with crusty bread, warm cornbread, or even a side salad. You can also serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal!
