This Hearty Cowboy Stew is packed with tender beef, colorful veggies, and tasty spices. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly night!
Making this stew feels like a big hug in a bowl! I love tossing all the ingredients in one pot, letting it simmer, and filling my home with delicious smells. Grab some bread for dipping! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stews as it gets tender with cooking. If you prefer, you could use stew meat or even ground beef for a quicker option.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers add flavor and nutrition. Feel free to substitute with veggies like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or peas based on what you have at home!
Pinto Beans: They add protein and heartiness. You can use black beans, kidney beans, or omit them if you want a lighter stew. Canned beans work just as well!
Spices: Chili powder and cumin give this stew its warm, rich flavor. You can adjust them to suit your taste, or try adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat!
How Do I Brown the Beef Perfectly?
Browning the beef gives your stew depth and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a large pot with enough space so the beef isn’t crowded. This allows it to brown instead of steam.
- Heat oil until shimmering, then add beef in batches. This helps achieve a nice sear on each piece.
- Don’t rush it! Let each side brown for about 4-5 minutes. Too much movement can prevent browning.
- Once done, set the beef aside to keep it juicy while you sauté the onions and garlic for extra flavor.
Hearty Cowboy Stew for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup cooked pinto beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty cowboy stew will take about 20 minutes for preparation and then 1 hour and 30 minutes for cooking. You get about 1 hour for the meat to tenderize and an additional 30 minutes for the vegetables to cook through. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. It should shimmer when it’s hot enough to add your beef.
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot. Brown them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onion:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it’s softened and translucent. This builds a great base for your stew!
4. Add the Garlic and Spices:
Next, add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute until it’s fragrant and flavorful.
5. Add Beef and Liquid:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Then, add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, along with the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour.
6. Add Vegetables:
After an hour, add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and bell peppers. Leave the pot uncovered and keep it simmering for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Stir in Corn and Beans:
Finally, stir in the corn and pinto beans, letting them cook for another 5-10 minutes to heat through.
8. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe add a little more salt or spice if you like it that way!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you wish, and serve hot with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your cozy, comforting bowl of hearty cowboy stew!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use stew meat, brisket, or even ground beef if you’re in a pinch. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; ground beef cooks faster!
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Add the corn and beans in the last hour of cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits! You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months—just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the beef for a mix of hearty vegetables and add protein-rich legumes like lentils or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a flavorful base. You can also add a variety of mushrooms for a meaty texture!
