This Hearty Cowboy Stew is the perfect dish for chilly evenings. With chunky beef, veggies, and a rich broth, it warms you right up and fills you with comfort.
It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love serving it with some crusty bread to soak up all that tasty goodness. You’ll want to make this again and again! 🥘
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut of meat is perfect for stews because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using beef stew meat or even turkey for a lighter version.
Vegetable Oil: I like using vegetable oil for browning the beef, but olive oil works as a great substitute. It adds a slight flavor twist while still handling the heat well.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for this stew, as they become soft and absorb flavors. If you’re after a healthier option, you can swap in sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.
Corn: Corn adds a nice pop of sweetness and color. Fresh corn is excellent when in season, but frozen corn is always handy and just as tasty.
Spices: The mix of spices gives this stew a rich flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili flakes can work. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste!
How Do I Achieve Tender Meat in My Stew?
To ensure your beef is tender, let it simmer gently over low heat. Cooking slowly breaks down tough fibers. Follow these steps to get it just right:
- Brown the beef well before simmering. This locks in flavor!
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly.
- Keep the stew covered while it cooks, preventing moisture loss.
- Let it cook for a full hour before adding vegetables; this allows the beef to tenderize properly.
Remember to check occasionally and stir. Patience is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs 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 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty cowboy stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour and 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 45 minutes before you can enjoy this warming dish. It’s perfect for a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes to the pot. Let them brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell the delicious aroma.
3. Build the Stew Base:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add in the beef broth, can of diced tomatoes (including the juice), smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Let It Simmer:
Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hour, allowing those flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
5. Add the Vegetables:
After an hour, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, celery, and chopped green bell pepper to the pot. Stir and cover again. Let it cook on low for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the Corn:
Finally, stir in the corn kernels and allow them to cook for an additional 5 minutes. This will add a sweet crunch to the stew.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. It’s lovely with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth!
Enjoy your hearty cowboy stew, and may it warm your heart and home!
FAQ for Hearty Cowboy Stew
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use other cuts like brisket or round. Just ensure they have some fat for flavor and tenderness.
How Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You could also add beans for protein!
Can I Store Leftovers? How Long Will They Last?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like green beans, peas, or even zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time so that all veggies are tender yet still hold their shape. Enjoy your creative variations!
