Description
Cowboy Stew is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked dish packed with ground beef, smoked sausage, baby potatoes, beans, corn, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a seasoned chicken stock. Perfect for a comforting meal that feeds a crowd with easy preparation and rich southwestern-inspired spices.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 1 lb. ground beef (lean)
- 1 16 oz. package smoked sausage (sliced into bite-size pieces)
Vegetables & Beans
- 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 lb. baby potatoes (halved)
- 1 15 oz. can pinto beans (undrained)
- 1 15 oz. can corn
- 1 14.5 oz. can tomatoes with green chiles (diced)
- 1 10-12 oz. package mixed vegetables (frozen)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a medium skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat thoroughly to keep the stew from being greasy.
- Add ingredients to slow cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef to your slow cooker. Add the sliced smoked sausage, chopped garlic, chopped onion, halved baby potatoes, undrained pinto beans, canned corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, frozen mixed vegetables, chicken stock, ground cumin, and chili powder.
- Cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the stew on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. Cook until the potatoes are tender and all flavors have melded together beautifully.
- Serve: Once cooked, stir the stew gently and ladle into bowls. Serve hot as a filling and satisfying one-pot meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder according to your taste.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you may simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a slightly different flavor profile.
- This stew freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- For extra freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.
