This Hearty Cowboy Stew is like a warm hug on a cold day! With chunky beef, potatoes, and colorful veggies, it’s super filling and packed with flavor.
I love how easy it is to make—just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. Perfect for cozy nights or when friends come over! Who doesn’t love a good stew? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is great for stews because it’s tender when cooked for a long time. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using beef stew meat or even turkey for a lighter stew.
Vegetable Oil: It’s perfect for browning the beef, but you can use olive oil or canola oil if you prefer. I personally like the flavor of olive oil.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other veggies like peas or green beans. Got some leftover veggies? Toss them in! They can all add unique flavors.
Canned Ingredients: If you’re out of black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans will work too. For the diced tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but just adjust the cooking time.
Spices: If you’re not a fan of chili powder, you can simply leave it out or add Italian seasoning for a different twist.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef in Stew?
Browning the beef is key for great flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium-high heat to get a sear on the beef cubes, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This adds depth to your stew!
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. This helps the meat brown nicely rather than steam.
- Once browned, remove the beef and don’t forget to scrape up those tasty brown bits when you add the broth.
Simmering the stew on low for 1.5 to 2 hours is important, as it allows the beef to break down and become tender. Stir occasionally and check for doneness! Trust me, the wait is worth it for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty cowboy stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time. It’s a wonderful make-ahead meal and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. 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 and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside—this step adds delicious flavor to the stew!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook it until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to deglaze the pot. Make sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Then, add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and green bell pepper. It’s a colorful mix!
4. Season the Stew:
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. This combination will really elevate the flavors!
5. Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You want the beef to be tender and the vegetables cooked through—so grab a book or relax while it cooks!
6. Final Touches:
Once done, taste the stew and adjust any seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a delightful finish.
Enjoy a comforting bowl of this hearty cowboy stew that’s perfect for easy meal prep and cozy dinners! It’s sure to warm both your belly and your heart.
FAQ for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is a great choice for its richness, you can use other meats like pork or turkey. Just remember that cooking times might vary depending on the type of meat you use.
How Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
If you want to go vegetarian, simply substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more beans for protein!
Can I Prepare This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stove first for extra flavor, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, just warm it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water if it’s too thick.
