Description
Hearty cowboy stew brings rustic ranch flavors straight from the American Southwest, combining tender beef, robust vegetables, and rich seasonings. Cowboys and home cooks alike will savor this comforting one-pot meal that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can ranch-style beans (or pinto beans), drained
- 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can corn, drained
- 1 (10-ounce/283 grams) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
Seasonings and Liquid:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Initiate the meat preparation by searing ground beef in a robust Dutch oven, developing rich caramelized edges over medium-high flame until achieving a deep golden-brown complexion.
- Incorporate smoked sausage into the sizzling pan, allowing it to render its smoky essence and create additional flavor layers while simultaneously softening sliced onions and minced garlic.
- Introduce hearty baby potatoes, vibrant diced tomatoes, protein-packed ranch-style beans, sweet corn kernels, and zesty Rotel to the evolving culinary landscape.
- Elevate the stew’s complexity by streaming beef broth, drizzling Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkling a harmonious blend of chili powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
- Allow the mixture to reach a vigorous boil, then gently reduce temperature, enabling ingredients to meld and potatoes to tenderize through a leisurely 20-minute simmering dance.
- Once potatoes yield effortlessly to a fork’s gentle pressure, remove from heat and ladle the robust stew into waiting bowls, presenting a rustic, comforting meal perfect alongside warm cornbread or a crisp garden salad.
Notes
- Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this hearty stew.
- Sausage Swap: Experiment with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter protein option that still delivers rich flavor.
- Potato Precision: Cut baby potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
- Spice Customization: Adjust chili powder and paprika levels to match your heat preference, creating a personalized taste profile.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance to let flavors develop and intensify.
- Vegetarian Transformation: Replace meat with plant-based ground alternatives and vegetable broth to create a delicious meatless version.
- Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg