This Hearty Cowboy Stew is perfect for chilly evenings! Packed with tender beef, chunky veggies, and rich broth, it warms you right up and fills you with comfort.
Honestly, it’s like a big hug in a bowl! I love making a big pot and enjoying leftovers for lunch. Plus, it’s super easy to toss everything together and let it simmer. So cozy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stews because it becomes tender after slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use sirloin or try a plant-based substitute like jackfruit for a vegetarian version.
Onion: A large onion adds depth to your stew. Sweet onions like Vidalia can work well if you prefer something milder. You can also use shallots for a more subtle flavor.
Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and celery are classic choices, but feel free to swap in root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. If you’re short on fresh vegetables, frozen mixed veggies are a great substitute too!
Beans: Pinto or kidney beans add a nice texture. If you have other options like black beans or chickpeas, those can be used too, just make sure to adjust the cooking time since they might require a shorter simmer.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef in Stew?
Getting tender beef in your stew is all about the cooking time and temperature. Here’s what to do:
- Start by browning the beef in hot oil. This locks in flavors.
- After adding the liquid, bring it to a boil and immediately lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot to keep moisture in, and let it simmer for 1.5 hours before adding the veggies.
This long, slow cooking breaks down the tough fibers in the meat, ensuring it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Patience is key here!
Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe for Cold Nights
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 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 cup water
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty cowboy stew takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 2 hours of cooking time. So, in total, you’re spending about 2 hours and 20 minutes to create a delicious meal that’s sure to warm you up on cold nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches. Brown the beef on all sides for about 6-8 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Build the Stew Base:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor!
4. Spice It Up:
Add the diced tomatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together well to combine all those delicious flavors.
5. Simmer the Stew:
Raise the heat to bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and bursting with flavor.
6. Add the Veggies:
After 1.5 hours, add the potatoes, carrots, celery, corn, and beans to the pot. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Cover again and let it simmer for another 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Final Touches:
Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Add more salt or spices as desired to get it just right!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the cowboy stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. It’s perfect for enjoying on cozy, cold nights. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is traditional for this stew, you can use lamb, pork, or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking times as needed—poultry generally cooks faster than beef.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
You have plenty of options! Feel free to swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add other vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just remember to adjust cooking times for firmer vegetables.
Is This Stew Freezable?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How Can I Thicken the Stew?
If you’d like a thicker stew, there are a couple of options: you can mash some of the potatoes against the pot sides or stir in a slurry made from equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened!
