Cowboy Stew (Print version)
A smoky, chunky Cowboy Stew with ground beef, sausage, bacon, beans, corn and potatoes simmered in a rich tomato broth.
# Ingredients:
For the meats
01 -
6 slices bacon, chopped
02 -
1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85% lean
03 -
12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
For the stew base
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
1 green bell pepper, diced
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 -
1 tablespoon chili powder
09 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
14 -
1 can (10 oz / 283 g) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
15 -
1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) crushed or diced tomatoes, undrained
16 -
3 cups (720 ml) beef broth
17 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) russet or Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
18 -
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
19 -
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
20 -
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) corn, drained
21 -
Sliced green onions, shredded cheddar, sour cream or hot sauce, for serving optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Set a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the chopped bacon until crisp, 6-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate and leave 1-2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
02 -
Add the ground beef to the bacon drippings and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, 5-6 minutes. Stir in the sausage slices and cook 3-4 minutes more, until lightly browned at the edges.
03 -
Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper and salt. Cook for 1 minute.
04 -
Pour in the tomatoes with green chiles, crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot, then stir in the potatoes, pinto beans and kidney beans.
05 -
Bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
06 -
Stir in the corn and reserved bacon. Simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt, then serve with any toppings you like.
# Good to know:
01 -
Cut potatoes into even 3/4-inch cubes so they cook at the same pace.
02 -
For a spicier stew, replace half the bell pepper with diced jalapeno.
03 -
Use gluten-free broth and smoked sausage if serving gluten-free eaters.