This Easy Cowboy Stew is a warm and filling dish packed with juicy beef, hearty potatoes, and colorful veggies. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
You can whip it up in one pot, which means less messy dishes. Plus, it’s a perfect meal for chilly nights! Just grab a spoon and enjoy every comforting bite. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is great for stews as it becomes tender with slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using sirloin or even ground beef for a different texture, but adjust the cooking time.
Vegetable Oil: While I use vegetable oil for browning, you can swap it for olive oil for a touch of extra flavor. Avocado oil is also a fantastic option for high-heat cooking.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well, but you can use sweet potatoes for a twist. They’ll add a hint of sweetness to the stew!
Kidney Beans: If you prefer or are avoiding beans, you can simply leave them out. Lentils also make a great substitute if you’d like to add some protein and fiber.
Spices: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy, or use chili flakes. I often throw in a bay leaf for enhanced flavor during cooking, which I remove before serving!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Browned Beef?
Browning the beef properly is key to flavor. Here are some tips:
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven to give the meat space. Crowding it can cause steaming rather than browning.
- Preheat your oil until hot but not smoking. This helps achieve that nice brown crust.
- Let the beef sit undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping, allowing it to develop a rich color.
- Work in batches if necessary; it’s worth it for the best flavor!
Easy Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and 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 approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend about an hour simmering everything together for those flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a cozy meal perfect for chilly days!
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. Once hot, add the beef cubes in a single layer and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once nicely browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it smells wonderful.
3. Combining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
4. Simmering the Stew:
Bring the entire mixture to a boil. Once boiled, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This slow cooking will make the beef tender and delicious!
5. Adding the Vegetables:
After an hour, add the diced potatoes, carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cover again and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and soak up all the flavors.
6. Final Touches:
If you’re using kidney beans, add them now and cook for an additional 10 minutes to warm through. Before serving, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Serving:
Ladle the warm stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Enjoy your hearty and comforting Easy Cowboy Stew!
Happy Cooking! 😊
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! You can use sirloin or brisket as alternatives to beef chuck. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut, so adjust accordingly to ensure tenderness.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! To adapt for a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the beef and vegetables are tender.
How Can I Store Leftover Cowboy Stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of the cooking time to ensure they don’t become too mushy!
