This hearty cowboy stew is perfect for chilly nights! It’s filled with tender beef, chunky veggies, and flavorful spices that warm you up from the inside out.
What I love about this stew is how easy it is to throw together. Just let it simmer, and soon you’ll have a cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect with some crusty bread!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This is the star of the show. It’s flavorful and tender when cooked slowly. If you want a leaner option, you could use sirloin or even ground beef, but keep in mind ground beef will cook faster!
Vegetable Oil: I use vegetable oil for browning the beef, but you can use olive oil or canola oil instead. They all have a high smoke point, perfect for searing meat.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they hold their shape. If you want a lower-carb option, consider using cauliflower instead. Just add it a bit later in the cooking process.
Kidney Beans: These beans add nutrition and heartiness. If you’re not a fan, feel free to swap in black beans or pinto beans. You can also skip the beans for a simpler stew.
Spices: Chili powder and smoked paprika give this stew a nice depth of flavor. If you prefer less spice, you can cut back on the chili powder or use mild paprika. Don’t be afraid to be creative with your spice mix too!
How Do I Make Sure My Beef is Tender?
Cooking beef to perfect tenderness is key. After browning your beef cubes, simmer them low and slow. This slow cooking helps break down the tough muscle fibers. Follow these tips for success:
- Brown the beef well for flavor, then simmer gently.
- Don’t rush – let it go for at least 1.5 hours covered. Low and slow is the way to go!
- If the beef isn’t tender after 1.5 hours, let it simmer longer. The tenderness will come with patience!
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a deliciously hearty cowboy stew that warms you from the inside out!
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hearty Cowboy Stew requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 2 hours for cooking, including simmering time. So, in total, you’ll need about 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this cozy stew!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
First, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and let it sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
3. Combining Ingredients:
Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and include the diced tomatoes along with their juices for extra flavor. Mix in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
4. Letting It Simmer:
Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1.5 hours. This slow cooking will make the beef super tender and flavorful.
5. Adding the Vegetables:
After 1.5 hours, it’s time to add the potatoes, carrots, celery, corn, and kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes. This will allow the veggies to become tender and soak up all the delicious flavors.
6. Final Touches:
Once the vegetables are nice and tender, taste your stew. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color before serving. Enjoy this warm, comforting stew that’s perfect for cold nights!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is traditional for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can substitute it with stew meat, pork, or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking time if using chicken, as it cooks faster than beef.
Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more beans, like black beans or lentils, and include hearty vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
How Can I Thicken the Stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you have a couple of options: mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes in the stew to help thicken it naturally!
