This Hearty Cowboy Stew is perfect for cozy dinners. Packed with tasty beef, veggies, and beans, it’s warm and filling. You’ll love how easy it comes together in one pot!
I love serving this stew with crusty bread for dipping. It’s like a comforting hug in a bowl, and who doesn’t want that after a long day? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef stew meat: I usually go for chuck roast, as it becomes super tender when cooked a long time. For a leaner option, try sirloin or brisket. You can also use chicken if you prefer a lighter stew.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, potatoes, and celery are classics. Feel free to swap in parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist. If you’re in a pinch, frozen mixed vegetables work well, too!
Beans: Kidney and pinto beans add protein and texture. Black beans or chickpeas are good alternatives if you want to switch things up!
Spices: Smoked paprika and cumin give great flavor. If you don’t have these, regular paprika and a bit of cayenne pepper will do the trick. Just adjust the heat to your liking.
How Can I Make Sure My Stew is Nice and Thick?
Thickening your stew can easily be achieved by following these tips. After your veggies and meat have simmered, they release starches naturally, helping with thickness.
- Cook uncovered in the last 15 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Alternatively, you can mash a few potato pieces against the sides of the pot to give a creamy texture.
- If you want it thicker, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add that to the pot.
Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups water
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stew will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 2 hours to cook. So, plan for about 2 hours and 15 minutes in total to create this warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides. Once they’re nicely browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell it!
3. Combine Everything:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, and the undrained diced tomatoes, along with 2 cups of water. Give it a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
4. Add the Veggies and Seasonings:
Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is where the flavor magic happens!
5. Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender, and the veggies are cooked perfectly.
6. Stir in the Beans:
Finally, stir in the drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to heat the beans through and allow the stew to thicken slightly.
7. Final Touches:
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. It’s all about making it just right for your family!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Pair it with some crusty bread or cornbread, and enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!
FAQs for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can substitute with chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking time, as poultry cooks faster than beef.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Vegetables?
If you’re short on fresh veggies, frozen mixed veggies work great too! Just add them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from getting overcooked.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! This stew is perfect for making ahead. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors marry. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
