Hearty Cowboy Stew With Bacon

A pot of hearty cowboy stew simmering on the stove feels like an invitation to slow down and savor something deeply comforting. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with rich, smoky aromas, making everyone eager to gather around the table.

I’ve always been drawn to rustic, one-pot meals—dishes that bring together simple ingredients yet deliver bold, satisfying flavors. This stew is exactly that: smoky bacon, savory kielbasa, tender ground beef, and creamy potatoes, all slow-simmered in a spiced tomato broth. It’s rich but not heavy, robust yet balanced, and every spoonful carries a little bit of homey goodness.

I’ve made versions of this stew on busy weeknights, cold Sundays, and even over a campfire on a chilly evening. It never disappoints. The layers of flavor build with every ingredient—crispy bacon, browned sausage, and deeply seasoned beef—until it transforms into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Serve it thick and hearty with cornbread for dipping, or let it be a little soupier if that’s what you’re in the mood for. Either way, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to go back for seconds.

What Is Cowboy Stew?

Cowboy Stew is a rustic, flavor-packed dish that combines meats, beans, potatoes, and tomatoes into a rich and satisfying stew. Traditionally cooked over an open fire, this modern version uses a stovetop to develop deep, smoky flavors with minimal effort. The mix of bacon, kielbasa, and beef makes every bite meaty and delicious, while chili powder and cumin add just the right amount of warmth.

Key Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 (12- to 14-ounce) package kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for richness)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans ranch-style beans or chili beans, with liquid
• 1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, drained
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, with liquid

Tools You’ll Need

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Slotted spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until golden and crispy, about 5–7 minutes.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa

Add the sliced kielbasa to the bacon drippings and cook for 3–5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp. Remove and place it with the bacon. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings.

Step 3: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until browned and no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes. The onions should be soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Add Spices and Thickener

Sprinkle in the flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously, cooking for 1–2 minutes until the flour absorbs the drippings and smells toasty. This ensures the stew thickens properly without a raw flour taste.

Step 5: Build the Stew

Pour in the chicken broth, beans (with liquid), corn, diced tomatoes (with liquid), and cubed potatoes.

Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the cooked bacon and kielbasa to the pot.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the hearty stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy with crusty bread or cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Incredibly Filling – Packed with protein and fiber for a satisfying meal.

Rich and Smoky – Layers of flavor from bacon, kielbasa, and chili seasoning.

Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Browning Step

Browning the meats separately creates depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step!

2. Overcrowding the Pot

Cook each ingredient in stages to get the best texture and flavor from each one.

3. Not Letting It Simmer Long Enough

The stew thickens and develops more flavor the longer it simmers. Be patient!

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

– Best Served With: Warm cornbread, crusty bread, or a side salad.
– Pair With: A bold red wine, an ice-cold beer, or a classic sweet tea.

Storage & Reheating Tips

– Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
– Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! Smoked sausage, chorizo, or even andouille work great.

2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meats first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.

3. How can I make it spicier?

Add extra chili powder, a diced jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce.

4. Can I use canned potatoes instead of fresh?

You can, but add them in the last 15 minutes since they’re already cooked.

5. What if my stew is too thick?

Stir in a little extra broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Tips & Tricks

– For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika or add a dash of liquid smoke.
– Want it extra thick? Mash some of the potatoes into the broth.
– Add more veggies, like bell peppers or carrots, for a nutritional boost.

Recipe Variations

1. Tex-Mex Cowboy Stew: Swap kielbasa for chorizo. Add a can of black beans and a diced poblano pepper.

2. Veggie-Packed Version: Use plant-based sausage and ground beef. Add diced carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini.

3. Cheesy Cowboy Stew: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

Final Thoughts

Every bite is packed with smoky, savory, and slightly spicy goodness, making it perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends. The best part? It only gets better with time. Leftovers thicken beautifully, and the flavors meld together even more by the next day.

Want it extra spicy? Add some diced jalapeños. Need to stretch it for a crowd? A few more potatoes or an extra can of beans will do the trick. It’s a forgiving, fuss-free dish that welcomes little tweaks without losing its signature heartiness.

So grab a ladle, dish up a big bowl, and enjoy. No matter how you serve it, this stew has a way of making any meal feel like home.