Craving a truly satisfying meal that brings the taste of the Wild West right to your kitchen? This Cowboy Stew recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pot wonder designed to warm you from the inside out, proving that delicious comfort food can be incredibly easy to make.
Key Ingredients for Cowboy Stew
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions
How to Make Cowboy Stew
This Cowboy Stew recipe is the epitome of simple, delicious, and satisfying. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together with minimal fuss, delivering a rich, savory flavor profile that’s perfect for any night of the week. The beauty lies in its straightforward preparation and the way humble ingredients transform into a deeply delicious stew. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comforting dish comes together, with a total preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cook time of approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing taste or quality.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the undrained diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed kidney beans, drained corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth to the pot.
- Season the Stew: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure to combine everything well.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasonings if needed. You might want to add a touch more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the hot Cowboy Stew into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley and green onions.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Stew
You’ll absolutely adore this Cowboy Stew recipe for its incredibly robust and comforting flavors, making it a go-to for hearty weeknight dinners. Unlike a more delicate soup, this stew offers a substantial and satisfying bite thanks to the tender ground beef, hearty beans, and sweet corn, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy, savory broth. What sets this dish apart, and makes it a budget-friendly marvel, is its ability to transform simple, pantry-staple ingredients into a truly spectacular meal, saving you money without compromising on taste. It’s a comforting classic that’s leagues better than a quick can of soup, offering a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched.
This approachable dish is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, embodying the spirit of generous, homestyle cooking. The customizable toppings allow you to personalize each bowl, from a cheesy, creamy delight to a fresh, herby finish. Don’t let another dinner be ordinary – gather your ingredients and give this delightful Cowboy Stew recipe a try; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing and reheating this delicious Cowboy Stew recipe ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating on the Stove: Reheat the stew gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Place a serving of stew in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
- Thawing Frozen Stew: Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as described above.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Stew recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly exceptional. It’s a delicious, economical, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. We encourage you to whip up a batch soon and experience its comforting magic for yourself!
The Ultimate Cowboy Stew Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 pound ground beef
- Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.1 pound ground beef, 1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed kidney beans, drained corn, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth to the pot.1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, 1 (15-ounce) can corn, 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup beef broth
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure to combine everything well.1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasonings if needed. You might want to add a touch more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference.1 teaspoon chili powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Ladle the hot Cowboy Stew into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley and green onions.shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions