Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe for Busy Nights

Category: Soups & Stews

This hearty cowboy stew is perfect for busy nights! Packed with tender beef, beans, potatoes, and veggies, it’s a filling dish that warms you right up. It’s like a big hug in a bowl!

After a long day, I love that I can toss everything in one pot and let it simmer. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone, plus it makes great leftovers! Who doesn’t love a good stew? 🌟

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef Chuck: This is the star of the stew! I find beef chuck perfect because it’s flavorful and becomes tender when cooked slowly. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you could substitute it with leaner cuts like stew meat or even turkey. Just keep an eye on cooking times.

Vegetable Oil: I usually use vegetable oil for browning the meat, but feel free to swap it with olive oil or canola oil. They both work well and add unique flavors.

Onion and Garlic: The onion adds sweetness and depth, while garlic brings a nice punch. If you have a sensitivity to onions, try using shallots or leeks for a milder taste.

Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth is my preference, but store-bought works just as well. If you’re vegetarian, substitute with vegetable broth for a hearty veggie stew.

Vegetables: I love the combination of potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. For variety, you can use sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even green beans. Just remember to keep the cooking times in mind for the different veggies!

How Do I Make Sure the Beef is Tender?

To achieve melt-in-your-mouth beef, slow and low cooking is key. When you’re browning the beef, do it in batches if needed. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of browning. After adding broth, keep the heat low and cover the pot for a nice simmer. This helps break down the tough fibers in the beef.

  • Brown the beef well, aiming for that golden crust.
  • Ensure the pot is covered while simmering to keep all the moisture in.
  • Don’t rush the cooking process—allow about 1 hour for tender beef.

With these tips and ingredients, you’ll have a delicious cowboy stew ready to warm you up on busy nights! Enjoy cooking! 🍲

Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe for Busy Nights

Hearty Cowboy Stew

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Stew:

  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This hearty cowboy stew takes about 15 minutes for prep and roughly 1.5 hours to cook. With a bit of simmering time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve. Perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and filling!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook until softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant and delicious.

3. Combine the Base:

Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes along with their juice. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine.

4. Simmer Away:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This slow cooking makes the beef tender and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Add the Veggies:

After an hour, it’s time to add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped red bell pepper, and kidney beans to the pot. Stir well and cover once more. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and tender.

6. Final Touches:

Once the veggies are cooked, taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a pinch more chili powder! Garnish the stew with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor if you’d like.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Your hearty cowboy stew is now ready to be served! Scoop it into bowls and enjoy with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. Perfect for warming up after a long day!

Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe for Busy Nights

FAQ about Hearty Cowboy Stew

Can I Use Different Types of Meat?

Absolutely! If beef isn’t your thing, you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as poultry cooks faster than beef.

Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can! Simply brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef and vegetables are tender.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. You can add green beans, corn, or even zucchini. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so add firmer vegetables earlier and softer ones later in the cooking process.

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment