This Hearty Cowboy Stew is like a warm hug in a bowl! Loaded with tasty beef, beans, and colorful veggies, it’s perfect for chilly nights.
Nothing beats a big bowl of this stew after a long day. Plus, it’s so simple to make! Just throw everything in a pot and let it simmer—easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut gives the stew great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean cuts like sirloin or stew meat work too, but they’ll need a bit less cooking time.
Vegetable Oil: Use vegetable oil for frying, but olive oil is a fine substitute. It adds a slight flavor boost without overpowering the dish.
Beans: Kidney and pinto beans add protein and fiber. You can swap them for black beans or chickpeas if you prefer. Just make sure to rinse them well!
Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match veggies based on what you enjoy. Green beans, corn, or potatoes can make tasty additions or alternatives!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are essential for flavor. If you lack smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, but you might want to add a touch of liquid smoke for that depth.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Browned Beef?
Browning the beef is key for developing rich flavors in your stew. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the beef to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; brown in batches if necessary. This allows better caramelization.
- Let the beef sear for several minutes without stirring. Once it’s nice and brown, flip it to brown the other sides.
This technique helps lock in the meat’s juices, making your stew even more delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender Vegetables?
To have perfectly tender yet firm vegetables in your stew, follow these steps:
- Add harder vegetables like carrots and celery earlier in the cooking process.
- When you add softer peppers, stir them in after a few minutes. This will keep them from becoming mushy.
- Cut vegetables into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
This way, every bite will have that perfect balance of texture!
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty cowboy stew requires about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering on the stove. While it cooks, your kitchen will fill with delicious aromas, making the wait well worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer and let them brown for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant. This will add a wonderful base flavor to your stew!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the sliced carrots, celery, and both the red and green bell peppers to the pot. Stir the mixture occasionally for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and as it simmers, the beef will become tender and the flavors will meld beautifully.
6. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hearty cowboy stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if you wish. It’s fantastic with crusty bread or served over rice, making for a cozy, comforting meal!
FAQ for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use Another Type of Meat in This Stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck adds great flavor, you can substitute it with boneless chicken thighs for a lighter version, or use venison for a gamey twist. Just adjust cooking times as needed, as chicken will cook faster than beef.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices? Can I Substitute Them?
Yes, you can adjust the spices based on what you have! If you’re missing smoked paprika, regular paprika is a fine alternative, though you might miss out on the smoky flavor. Likewise, feel free to add other spices like cayenne for heat or Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Definitely! For a slow cooker version, brown the beef and sauté the onion and garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in a pot or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it appears too thick.
