Cowboy Stew Classic (Printable Version)

One-pot cowboy stew with bacon, beef, sausage, potatoes, beans, and bold flavor—easy comfort food in just an hour.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
02 - 1 lb ground beef
03 - 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

→ Canned Goods

07 - 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
08 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
11 - 4 cups beef broth

→ Seasonings

12 - 1 tbsp chili powder
13 - 1 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
15 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Steps to Cook:

01 - In a large heavy-bottomed pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
02 - Add diced onions to the reserved bacon fat and cook until soft and golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until well browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Stir in sliced smoked sausage, cooked bacon, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything with the spices.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to build flavor.
06 - Add diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in drained black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped parsley.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Use russet potatoes for better texture and natural thickening during simmering.
02 - For a richer base, deglaze the pot thoroughly with tomatoes before adding broth.
03 - Add beans and corn near the end to maintain their texture and color.
04 - Customize with diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or substitute beans based on preference.

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