If you’re looking for a warming, hearty meal that feels like a big bear hug in a bowl, you’ve got to try this Cowboy Stew Recipe. It’s packed with savory kielbasa, tender ground beef, and a medley of fresh veggies swimming in a rich, tomatoey broth. I absolutely love this stew because it’s a one-pot wonder that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your belly with comfort. Whether you’re coming in from the cold or just need a satisfying dinner the whole family will rave about, this recipe will become one of your go-tos.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, hearty flavors: The blend of kielbasa, ground beef, and spices makes every bite deeply satisfying.
One-pot comfort: You’ll love how everything comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup.
Flexible and forgiving: Feel free to swap veggies or beans based on what you have on hand.
Family favorite: This cowboy stew recipe has won over picky eaters and stew skeptics alike.

The image shows a bowl of thick soup filled with many colorful ingredients. The soup has a brownish-red broth with visible layers of orange carrot cubes, green peas, yellow corn kernels, dark red kidney beans, light yellow potato pieces, and slices of brown sausage. Bits of browned meat are mixed throughout, and chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top. The bowl is white with a grayish finish, placed on a wooden table with a checkered cloth nearby and a brass spoon resting inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cowboy Stew, hearty beef stew, kielbasa and vegetable stew, one-pot comfort food, easy family dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cowboy stew recipe lies in its combination of smoky kielbasa, lean ground beef, and a colorful mix of veggies. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes this stew so comforting and filling. When you shop, look for fresh carrots and bell peppers to brighten the dish, and grab low-sodium broth to keep the flavors clean and balanced.

Flat lay of sliced kielbasa, raw ground beef, diced yellow onion, chopped carrots, vibrant red bell pepper pieces, minced garlic cloves, cubed butter potatoes, colorful frozen peas and corn mix, and fresh chopped cilantro, arranged neatly with vivid natural colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cowboy Stew, hearty beef stew, kielbasa and vegetable stew, one-pot comfort food, easy family dinner

Extra-virgin olive oil: I like using this for that rich, fruity base; it keeps the stew healthy and flavorful.
Kielbasa: Sliced into coins, it crisps up beautifully and adds smoky goodness.
Lean ground beef: The 90/10 ratio gives you tender meat without too much grease.
Yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness when sautéed, balancing the spice.
Carrots: Their slight sweetness brightens the stew and adds texture.
Red bell pepper: I find it adds a nice pop of color and subtle sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Minced for that essential aromatic kick you don’t want to miss.
Chili powder: The heart of the cowboy stew’s cozy spice profile.
Cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth.
Kosher salt: To bring all the flavors together perfectly.
Low-sodium beef broth: The stew’s body and broth base, use low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
Crushed tomatoes: For rich tanginess and texture.
Butter potatoes: Diced small so they cook evenly and soak up stew flavors.
Kidney or pinto beans: Adds creaminess and protein; canned works great for ease.
Frozen mixed peas and corn: Stirred in last for a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
Fresh cilantro: Garnish that adds brightness and freshness at the end.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this cowboy stew recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve tried swapping in different beans, more veggies, and even added a bit of heat with fresh jalapeños. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you might find your new favorite version!

Spicy twist: Adding diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne amps up the warmth without overpowering the flavors; my friends love this when they want a little kick.
Vegetarian version: Leave out the meats and use vegetable broth and extra beans or lentils for protein; it’s still hearty and soul-warming.
Seasonal veggies: I’ve added corn on the cob kernels in summer and chopped winter squash in fall—both work beautifully.
Make it smoky: Try smoked paprika or liquid smoke to boost that authentic cowboy flavor when kielbasa isn’t available.

How to Make Cowboy Stew Recipe

Step 1: Crisp and brown the kielbasa

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When hot, add the kielbasa coins—don’t stir right away! Let them sizzle undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side until you get that gorgeous browned, crisp edge. This little step packs serious flavor and texture into the stew. Once browned, transfer the kielbasa to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the ground beef

Using the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Spoon in the ground beef as one big chunk; don’t break it up yet. Sear it undisturbed for about 3 minutes to form a nice brown crust, then flip and do the same on the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. After both sides have some color, break the beef apart gently into smaller pieces and cook for another minute. This helps build layers of flavor. Don’t worry if it’s not completely cooked through yet; it will finish cooking later in the stew.

Step 3: Sauté the veggies and spices

If the pot looks dry, drizzle a little more olive oil. Toss in the diced yellow onion, carrots, and red bell pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften nicely. Then add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and kosher salt. Stir that fragrant mix for about a minute to bloom the spices and unlock their aroma—it totally changes the stew’s depth.

Step 4: Deglaze and add liquids

Pour in about 1 cup of beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom. Those bits are pure gold for your stew’s flavor. Then add the remaining beef broth and the can of crushed tomatoes. Return the seared ground beef and all those delicious juices back into the pot along with the kielbasa, diced potatoes, and drained beans. Give everything a good stir.

Step 5: Simmer until tender

Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to keep it at a soft bubble. Let it cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors meld beautifully. This is where the magic happens—you’ll notice the stew thickening and the broth turning rich and hearty.

Step 6: Add peas and corn, finish with cilantro

Stir in the frozen peas and corn and cook just 1 to 2 minutes until they’re heated through and vibrant green. I love how these little veggies add a pop of sweetness and color right at the end. Serve spoonfuls hot, garnished with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro—that final touch brightens the whole bowl and adds freshness.

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Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Stew Recipe

Brown your meats well: Don’t rush this step—those browned bits are packed with flavor and make your stew taste amazing.
Don’t over-stir during simmering: Stir gently and occasionally to keep the potatoes from breaking apart but ensure the stew cooks evenly.
Use low-sodium broth: It gives you control over saltiness, so you can season to your preference without the stew becoming salty.
Add frozen veggies last: Stirring in peas and corn near the end keeps their color bright and texture fresh.

How to Serve Cowboy Stew Recipe

A bowl of thick stew filled with layers of colorful ingredients, starting with a base of rich, dark brown broth. Chunks of orange carrots, bright green peas, yellow corn, and deep red kidney beans are spread evenly throughout. Pieces of brown ground meat and slices of browned sausage add texture and depth. Small white potato cubes and bits of green herbs are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. The stew fills a white bowl, with a spoon resting inside, all set on a white marbled surface with a beige and white textured cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cowboy Stew, hearty beef stew, kielbasa and vegetable stew, one-pot comfort food, easy family dinner

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh cilantro as a garnish—it adds a lovely herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness of the stew. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little shredded sharp cheddar or add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. If you like a bit of crunch, toasted crusty bread on the side does the trick wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This cowboy stew stands up beautifully on its own, but you can’t go wrong with classic cornbread or a fresh green salad for balance. I also love serving it alongside garlic bread or even fluffy steamed rice if you want to soak up every last drop of the stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, try serving the stew in mini cast iron skillets or hollowed-out bread bowls—that always gets a wow from guests. You can also layer it over polenta for a cowboy-style twist that brings out earthy flavors. Trust me, these little presentation ideas make a big difference without any extra work!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cowboy stew in airtight containers in the fridge, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day once all those flavors have had time to mingle. It keeps well for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you thaw it, the texture and flavor hold up well—it’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

I reheat my leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks thick. This keeps the meat tender and the potatoes intact without drying out the stew. You could also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make this Cowboy Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meats and sauté the veggies first for best flavor, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the frozen peas and corn near the last 30 minutes to keep them vibrant.
What type of potatoes work best in this stew?

I recommend using butter potatoes or Yukon golds because they hold their shape really well and offer a creamy texture. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets as they tend to break down and can make your stew mushy.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can! Just soak and cook the beans fully before adding them to the stew. Canned beans are my shortcut for convenience, but fresh beans will certainly work if you’re prepping ahead.
Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spiced with chili powder and cumin and generally not very hot. You can easily increase the heat by adding jalapeños or cayenne powder if you like it spicier.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this cowboy stew recipe, I was blown away by how every ingredient played off each other to create something so homey and satisfying. It’s become a staple in my kitchen because it’s easy to make, a crowd-pleaser, and perfect for chilly nights or casual get-togethers. I encourage you to give it a try—you may find it becoming your new comfort food obsession just like it did for me!