Cowboy Stew Recipe

I was intrigued by how this Cowboy Stew unites hearty meats and zesty flavors in one pot. The blend of beef, chicken, and smoked sausage with beans and peppers creates a comforting, flavorful medley. This recipe is perfect for nights when you crave bold, home-cooked goodness and utterly satisfying flavor.

If you’re looking for a hearty meal that packs a nutritious punch, my Cowboy Stew is just the ticket. I use a combination of 1 lb beef stew meat, 1 lb boneless chicken thighs and 1 lb smoked sausage to create this one-pot wonder that fills your bowl with protein and flavor.

The stew is loaded with veggies like a large diced onion, minced garlic, red and green bell peppers and even a jalapeño for extra heat if you want it. I finish it off with diced tomatoes, pinto beans and a splash of beef broth ensuring that every bite is rich in vitamins and minerals.

The spices include chili powder, ground cumin and a bay leaf which makes a balanced meal that is filling and great for a quick dinner. Its slow cooker friendly so its a perfect easy recipe that can turn your dinner sorted in no time.

Enjoy this simple nutritious dish that is sure to satisfy every appetite.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it mixes three types of meat that creates a rich, hearty flavor that’s never boring. I also love that everything cooks in one pot so cleaning up afterwards is a breeze. The flexibility of switching up broths or tweaking the spices makes it feel like I can really make it my own. Lastly, the combination of beans and veggies not only adds awesome texture but also makes the meal feel balanced and comforting.

Ingredients

• Beef stew meat: Hearty protein adds rich flavor and texture to the stew.
• Boneless chicken thighs: Provide lean protein, tender bites that keeps the stew saucy.
• Smoked sausage: Adds a spicy, smoky kick and loads of savory fat.
• Diced tomatoes: Juicy and tangy, they bring a sweet acidity and moisture.
• Pinto beans: Packed with fiber and protein, they thicken and enrich every bite.
• Bell peppers: Bright, crunchy veggies that lend natural sweetness and a vitamin boost.
• Chili powder and cumin: These warm spices adds a kick without overwhelming the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if you like)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (optional for a bit of kick)
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Heat the olive oil in a big pot over medium-high heat; add the beef stew meat seasoned with salt and pepper and brown them in batches until they have a nice sear.

2. Once the beef is browned, add the chicken thighs chunks and cook until they start to turn golden on all sides.

3. Toss in the smoked sausage slices and cook for a few minutes until they get a bit crispy.

4. Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped red and green bell peppers, and if you’re using it, the minced jalapeño so they soften a little.

5. Sprinkle in the chili powder and ground cumin, then add the can of diced tomatoes with its juices and the bay leaf.

6. Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth, if you prefer) and bring the mixture to a simmer.

7. Once it’s simmering, let it cook on low for about 25-30 minutes so all the flavors can meld together.

8. Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans along with the frozen corn (if using) and stir them in.

9. Continue to simmer the stew on low for another 10-15 minutes to let everything heat through and become tender.

10. Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed, then serve hot and enjoy this one-pot cowboy delight!

Equipment Needed

1. Large heavy-bottomed pot – for browning the meats and simmering the stew
2. Sharp knife – to chop meats and vegetables
3. Cutting board – for safe and efficient chopping
4. Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately add spices, broth, and oil
5. Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir ingredients without damaging your pot
6. Colander – to drain and rinse the pinto beans
7. Can opener – for the diced tomatoes can

FAQ

• Question: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
  Answer: Sure, you can. Brown the meat and sausage a bit first if you can, then put everything in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours till the meat is super tender.
• Question: Can I substitute the pinto beans with another type?
  Answer: Yup, you definitely can. Black beans or kidney beans work great as substitutes though the flavor might change a little bit.
• Question: What if I don’t have chicken thighs?
  Answer: No problem at all, you can use chicken breasts but note that they might dry out fast so watch the cooking time closely.
• Question: How spicy is this stew?
  Answer: It gets a mild kick from the jalapeño, but if you dont like too much heat, you can always reduce the amount or leave it out altogether.
• Question: Is browning the meat necessary?
  Answer: Its definitely recommended ’cause browning adds a rich flavor to the stew, but if you are short on time, you can skip it though it might lose some depth.

Cowboy Stew Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant find beef stew meat, you can use chuck roast cut in cubes instead.
• If you dont have chicken thighs, you could use boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• If smoked sausage is hard to get, try swapping it out with kielbasa or even chorizo for a different smoky flavor.
• If beef broth is not available, you can use chicken broth, which gives a slightly milder taste.

Pro Tips

1. When browning the meat, dont overcrowd the pot so you can get a proper sear; cook it in small batches so every piece gets nice crispy edges instead of stewing in its own juices.
2. Keep an eye on your spices and taste as you go because sometimes a little extra chili powder or cumin can really boost the flavor of the dish.
3. Make sure to add the beans and corn later in the cooking process; stirring them in gently helps keep their texture intact and adds a cool contrast to the meats.
4. Let the stew simmer slowly and try not to rush it because the longer it cooks, the more the flavors come together and give you that hearty, flavorful bite.