This Hearty Cowboy Stew is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with chunky beef, hearty potatoes, and colorful veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Whenever I make this stew, I can almost hear the campfire crackling. It fills the house with a cozy smell that makes everyone come running for dinner! 😋
I love serving it with crusty bread, so we can soak up every last drop. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy—who wouldn’t want a big bowl of comfort?!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut has great flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using sirloin or ground beef instead. Just remember, ground beef might cook faster!
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery make a classic mirepoix, building flavor. If you’re out of any, feel free to swap with similar veggies like leeks, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes for a twist.
Potatoes: I love using russets for their fluffiness, but you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes. If you’re looking for a lighter stew, cauliflower can be a great low-carb substitute!
Beans: Kidney beans add protein and fiber. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas would work well here if you want to switch it up.
How Do I Achieve Tender Beef in Stew?
A key to perfect beef in stew is simmering it low and slow. This technique allows the tough fibers to break down, making the beef tender. Here are some helpful steps:
- Brown the beef in batches. This creates a rich flavor base.
- Once simmering, keep the heat low. A gentle bubble is ideal.
- Don’t rush—allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours for the beef to soften.
- Adding veggies later in the cooking process helps them stay firm.
Trust the process, and your stew will turn out delicious! Enjoy cooking this warm and hearty meal. 😊
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hearty Cowboy Stew requires about 20 minutes of prepping your ingredients and then about 2 to 2.5 hours in total for cooking. Most of this time is spent simmering, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in small batches. Make sure to brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This develops a rich flavor and nice color. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until you can smell its delicious aroma.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Return the seared beef to your pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck there. These add great taste to your stew!
4. Add the Veggies and Seasonings:
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well and bring the whole mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This is where the magic happens—let it cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing the beef to become tender.
5. Add the Root Vegetables:
After the beef is tender, toss in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery. Continue to simmer the stew, covered, for another 30-40 minutes. You want the vegetables to be fork-tender but not mushy.
6. Add the Beans:
Finally, stir in the rinsed kidney beans and allow the stew to heat through for about 5-10 minutes. This will help your beans maintain their shape and texture.
7. Adjust and Serve:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Once everything is flavorful and hearty, ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot with some crusty bread or cornbread for dipping. Enjoy your comforting Hearty Cowboy Stew! 😊
Can I Substitute the Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, pork, or even a meat alternative like seitan or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; chicken will cook faster than beef, so adjust as needed!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas according to your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times slightly if adding faster-cooking vegetables towards the end of the simmering phase.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store your Hearty Cowboy Stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and cooking the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender. Just be sure to add the beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them intact!
