Name: Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 95 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, chopped.; 2 (12-ounce) packages kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices.; 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20).; 1 medium onion, diced.; 3 cloves garlic, minced.; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.; 1 teaspoon chili powder.; 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, with liquid.; 2 (16-ounce) cans baked beans or ranch beans, with liquid.; 1 (7-ounce) can chopped green chilies, with liquid.; 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, with liquid.; 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes.; 1 cup water.; 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped.

Cowboy Stew is a flavorful and filling dish that combines the rich flavors of bacon, sausage, ground beef, and a mix of vegetables. Perfect for cold nights, this stew is simple to prepare and has a comforting taste that makes it ideal for family gatherings. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal!

This hearty Cowboy Stew combines savory bacon, sausage, ground beef, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, comforting broth. Perfect for cold days, this stew is a meal in itself, packed with flavor and easy to make for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

INGREDIENTS

Bacon (chopped): Adds smoky, savory richness to the stew and helps flavor the base.
Kielbasa Sausage (sliced): A flavorful sausage that adds a hearty, meaty element to the stew.
Ground Beef (80/20): Provides a filling, savory base and adds extra protein.
Onion (diced): Adds mild sweetness and depth to the stew’s base.
Garlic (minced): Enhances the flavor with a subtle, aromatic richness.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the stew, giving it a hearty, chowder-like texture.

Additional Ingredients

Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Chili Powder: Adds warmth and depth, balancing the stew’s flavors.
Petite Diced Tomatoes (with liquid): Provides a slight acidity and brightness to the stew.
Baked Beans or Ranch Beans (with liquid): Adds a hint of sweetness and a creamy texture to the stew.
Chopped Green Chilies (with liquid): Adds a mild heat and Southwestern flavor.
Sweet Corn (with liquid): Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the stew.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Cook the Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the pot with the bacon drippings. Brown the sausage on both sides, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning. Once browned, transfer the sausage to the plate with the bacon.
Step 3: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables: To the same pot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Flour: Sprinkle the flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to incorporate the flour, which will help thicken the stew.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Liquids: Pour in the petite diced tomatoes, baked beans, green chilies, sweet corn, and cubed potatoes. Return the bacon and sausage to the pot and add 1 cup of water. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 6: Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are tender, taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for color and freshness before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve Cowboy Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
This stew pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread, making it a complete, satisfying meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened.

Helpful Notes

For a spicier version, add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños.
To make the stew thicker, mash some of the potatoes with a fork before serving.
If the stew is too thick, add additional water or broth until the desired consistency is reached.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Bobby Flay suggests browning the meats well to add depth to the stew’s flavor.
Chef Rachael Ray recommends seasoning the stew at each stage to build layers of flavor.
Chef Ina Garten emphasizes the importance of using high-quality stock for a rich, flavorful base.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cowboy Stew is a one-pot meal that’s both hearty and easy to make.
The combination of sausage, bacon, and ground beef creates a deeply satisfying, savory flavor.
It’s perfect for cold days, family dinners, or gatherings, providing a comforting and filling meal.

Variations

For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and lean ground turkey instead of pork and beef.
Replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-rich option.
Add chopped bell peppers for extra color and a subtle sweetness.