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A bowl of hearty Cowboy Stew with beef, beans, and vegetables.

Cowboy Stew

A comforting, hearty stew filled with ground beef, turkey sausage, and a variety of vegetables and beans, perfect for chilly evenings and gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Homestyle
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main protein and swaps
  • 1 pound ground beef (use 80/20 for flavor; leaner if you prefer less fat) Ground beef provides flavor and texture.
  • 1 pound ground turkey sausage or chicken sausage (pre-seasoned, uncooked) This replaces traditional pork sausage.
  • 1 pound diced cooked beef or smoked turkey breast (cubed) Choose about 1-inch pieces.
Vegetables and legumes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed Low-sodium canned beans can be used.
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed Add variety to the stew.
  • 2 cups diced potatoes Use red or Yukon gold potatoes; skin on or off.
  • 1 cup diced carrots Fresh preferred; frozen can be used.
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers A mix of red and green adds color.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Yellow or sweet onion works best.
Liquids and tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth Low-sodium broth is recommended.
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) Fire-roasted for extra depth is optional.
Spices and seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Use fresh garlic if preferred.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Season to preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prep your ingredients first, chopping and measuring before cooking.
Browning the Meat
  1. Brown the ground beef and turkey-style sausage in a large pot over medium heat until no pink remains.
Adding Texture
  1. Stir in the diced cooked beef or smoked turkey and warm through.
Cooking the Vegetables
  1. Add chopped onion, bell peppers, and carrots; cook until softened.
Mixing Ingredients
  1. Stir in diced potatoes, drained beans, and diced tomatoes.
Simmering the Stew
  1. Pour in the beef broth and add chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Final Taste Adjustment
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with toppings of choice.
Storing Leftovers
  1. Cool and store any leftovers promptly in airtight containers.

Notes

You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months.