If you’re craving a dish that wraps you up in rich flavors and comforting textures, let me introduce you to the irresistible Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe. This stew is all about that soulful combination of smoky bacon, spicy kielbasa sausage, tender ground beef, and a medley of beans and potatoes simmered in a savory broth. It’s the perfect meal for gatherings, chilly evenings, or anytime you want to dive into something deeply satisfying and packed with homestyle goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and heartiness in this stew. From the smoky notes of bacon to the creamy tenderness of Yukon Gold potatoes, every item adds texture, taste, or color that will make this recipe shine.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds smoky crispiness and a flavorful base fat for cooking the stew.
- Kielbasa sausage (14 ounces, sliced): Brings a spicy, meaty robust flavor and satisfying texture.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 90% lean): Provides a hearty, savory depth that forms the stew’s backbone.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic warmth.
- Green bell pepper (1, chopped): Contributes freshness and slight crunch to lighten the stew.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (3 medium, cut into ½-inch cubes): Bring creamy, tender texture that’s perfect for soaking up all the stew’s flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses savory pungency that brightens every bite.
- Kidney beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Add earthy richness and protein.
- Black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Provide a creamy counterpoint and hearty body.
- Petite diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Offer acidity and a burst of color that balances the richness.
- Whole-kernel corn (15 ounces, drained): Adds sweetness and texture contrast.
- Low-sodium beef broth (4 cups): Creates the luscious, savory stew base.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the stew to the perfect consistency.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the stew a gentle warmth and southwestern flair.
- Kosher salt (1½ teaspoons): Enhances and balances all flavors.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spicy kick.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Provides a fresh herbal note and lovely color contrast.
How to Make Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your chopped bacon and fry until it’s nice and crisp. This not only gives you that irresistible smoky flavor but also renders delicious bacon grease which will become the base for your stew. Scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about a tablespoon of that flavorful grease in the pot for the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Into the same pot, add the sliced kielbasa sausage. Cook it until each side is beautifully browned. Browning the sausage adds caramelized flavor notes and renders some fat, which layers richness into your stew. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside with the bacon for later.
Step 3: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Next, toss in the ground beef along with the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Break up the beef as it browns with a wooden spoon, mixing everything well. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds the savory foundation—every bit of this browning translates into bold flavor.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper evenly over your beef and veggies. Stir continuously for about a minute until the flour is fully absorbed and there are no dry patches left. This step thickens your stew and marries the spices, setting the stage for a beautiful, cohesive flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine Beans, Veggies, and Broth
Now stir in the kidney beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, whole-kernel corn, cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, beef broth, cooked bacon, and kielbasa sausage. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover your pot and cook the stew for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom, and watch how all these fantastic ingredients meld into a hearty, robust stew.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Once your stew is cooked to perfection, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and watch your family or guests dive right in—that’s the magic of the Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe!
How to Serve Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for a garnish, adding vibrant color and a light herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the stew’s rustic flavors. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or shredded sharp cheddar for a creamy, tangy touch that elevates each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This stew is incredibly filling, but pairing it with crusty bread or buttery cornbread makes the meal even more comforting. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette can help balance the richness with freshness. Consider serving pickled jalapeños on the side if you want to introduce some exciting spicy crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or thick slices of toasted rustic bread to soak up all the hearty juices. You could even hollow out a round bread loaf and ladle the stew inside for an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for family dinners or casual parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and consume within 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day stew even more delicious.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare in advance or save for a busy day, this Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool the stew completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then heat slowly to keep those potatoes tender and the sausage juicy.
FAQs
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the bacon, sausage, and beef along with the veggies on the stovetop, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Can I use other types of sausage?
Definitely! Andouille, chorizo, or even smoked sausage all work wonderfully. Just be mindful of the seasoning and salt content as some sausages can be spicier or saltier, which may affect the stew’s overall flavor.
Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?
You can swap the bacon, sausage, and ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans and vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the dish veggie-friendly but still flavorful.
What can I use instead of Yukon Gold potatoes?
Russet potatoes work well too, though they are a bit fluffier. Sweet potatoes could be a tasty twist if you want a touch of sweetness balancing the savory stew.
How spicy is this stew?
The chili powder adds a moderate warmth that’s warming but not overwhelming. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or including diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about this Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a satisfying solo meal, this stew never fails to deliver that perfect mix of smoky, savory, and hearty flavors. I can’t recommend it enough—grab your ingredients, and give it a try soon. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Sausage, and Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cowboy Stew combines smoky bacon, savory kielbasa, ground beef, and a colorful mix of vegetables and beans simmered in a flavorful beef broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this one-pot stew delivers robust flavors with tender potatoes and a kick of chili powder, ideal for a family-friendly dinner that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Meats
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced (1 package)
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
- 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 15 ounces canned whole-kernel corn, drained (1 can)
Liquids and Spices
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and fry until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot, discarding any leftover grease.
- Cook the sausage: In the same pot with reserved bacon grease, add the sliced kielbasa sausage. Cook each side until browned and caramelized. Remove the sausage and set aside with the cooked bacon.
- Cook the beef and vegetables: Add the ground beef, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, chili powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper evenly over the beef and vegetables mixture. Stir constantly for about one minute, or until the flour is fully absorbed with no dry patches remaining. This helps to thicken the stew.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the drained kidney beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, whole-kernel corn, cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, beef broth, cooked bacon, and kielbasa sausage. Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer until potatoes are tender: Allow the stew to simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The potatoes should become tender and the flavors meld together beautifully during this time.
- Garnish and serve: Once the stew is ready, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve the cowboy stew hot, ideally with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for soaking up the delicious broth.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape well during cooking.
- Low-sodium beef broth helps control the salt level; adjust seasoning to taste at the end.
- For a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños along with the chili powder.
- This stew can be made a day ahead and reheated, allowing flavors to deepen.
- Leftovers freeze well; cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large pot to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
