Cowboy Stew Hearty One Pot (Print Format)

Bold, satisfying stew with beef, sausage, beans, and potatoes in a smoky, savory broth for a crowd-pleasing main.

# Ingredients:

→ Meats

01 - 4 slices bacon, chopped
02 - 1 pound lean ground beef
03 - 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into medallions

→ Vegetables and legumes

04 - 1 cup chopped white onion (about ½ a large onion)
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
06 - 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
07 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire roasted if available)
08 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
09 - 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained
10 - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen)
11 - Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

→ Seasonings

12 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
16 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Liquids

17 - 3 cups beef broth

# Steps:

01 - In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until it is crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
02 - Discard all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat. Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and return beef and onion to the pot.
04 - Add the smoked sausage slices, cooked bacon, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
05 - Pour in the diced tomatoes and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon.
06 - Add the diced potatoes and beef broth to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer.
07 - Let the stew simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
08 - Add the black beans, kidney beans, and corn to the pot. Heat the stew for another 5 minutes or until warmed through.
09 - Remove from heat, adjust seasonings to taste, and serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

# Tips:

01 - For a slow cooker, cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding beans and corn during the last hour.
02 - For an Instant Pot, use sauté mode for cooking bacon, ground beef, and onions. Cook at high pressure for 5 minutes, release, then simmer beans and corn.
03 - Russet potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape and help thicken the stew.