This Hearty Cowboy Stew is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and colorful veggies, it’s perfect for chilly nights.
I love how easy it is to make! Just throw everything in one pot and let it simmer. You’ll have a delicious meal that will keep you cozy and satisfied. 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Stew Meat: This cut is great for stews because it becomes tender with slow cooking. If you need a substitute, you could use brisket or even ground beef, though you’ll cook it less.
Vegetable Oil: I use vegetable oil for its high smoke point. Canola or olive oil also work well. For a deeper flavor, try using bacon grease or beef tallow if you have it!
Potatoes: I prefer russet potatoes for their creaminess, but you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes too. Sweet potatoes can add a unique twist—just remember they cook faster!
Kidney Beans: These are optional, but they add protein and texture. Black beans or pinto beans work instead. You can also skip beans and add more veggies if you’re looking for a lighter stew.
How Do You Brown Meat Properly for Stew?
Browning the meat is crucial for depth of flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear. Make sure the pot is hot before adding the oil and meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook beef in batches so it browns instead of steams.
- Let it sit for a minute before flipping to get a nice crust. It creates rich flavor that permeates the stew.
Enjoying this step makes such a difference in the final dish!
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup cooked kidney beans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty cowboy stew takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 1.5 hours to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at around 2 hours from start to finish. It’s worth every minute when you smell that delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the stew! Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring until it’s nice and fragrant. This adds depth to your stew!
3. Add the Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 1-2 minutes. This helps deepen the flavor and gives your stew a rich color.
4. Combine Ingredients for Stewing:
Return the browned beef to the pot and add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), bay leaves, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hour. This is the time for the flavors to meld beautifully!
5. Add the Vegetables:
After 1 hour, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery. Continue simmering uncovered for another 30-40 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender and your kitchen smells amazing!
6. Final Add-ins:
Stir in the corn and kidney beans (if using) and cook for an additional 10 minutes to heat them through. This adds a lovely sweetness and color to the stew.
7. Serve:
Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. It’s perfect alongside some crusty bread or cornbread—enjoy your cozy meal!
FAQ for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is great for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or even stew meat from other cuts like round. If you prefer, ground beef can work too; just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Can I Substitute the Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to customize the stew based on what you have on hand. Peas, green beans, or even bell peppers would make excellent additions. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary for different vegetables.
How Long Can Leftovers Be Stored?
Leftover cowboy stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can last for about 3 months in the freezer!
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the potatoes and other vegetables halfway through the cooking time.
