Cowboy Stew With Baked Beans Recipe

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There’s a special kind of comfort found in a big bubbling pot of stew. It is the kind of comfort that doesn’t just fill your belly but satiates all your cravings. I remember the first time I had Cowboy Stew With Baked Beans on a family camping trip, where my dad hunched over a portable stove and cooked this one-pot meal for all of us.

We didn’t have fancy ingredients, but somehow when he ladled that chunky, smoky stew into our bowls, it felt like a five-star meal. The beans were sweet and rich, and the meat was infused with flavors that tasted delicious.

I can still remember us passing around a single bottle of hot sauce, shivering under blankets, and eating a pot of stew like never before. The night honestly taught me that great food isn’t about perfection; it’s about warmth, intention, and infusion of love and flavors at the same time.

In the rustic glory, Cowboy Stew became our favorite dish, and since then, I have attempted to make it many times. Trust me, once you give it a try with just the basic ingredients and steps, you’ll be hooked. To get started, review the details I have mentioned below. You can also note down the expert tips to ensure you achieve all the flavors correctly.

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Skillet: I used a skillet to prepare the hearty stew.
Ladle: Stir everything using a large ladle.
Knife: Chop the veggies using a sharp knife.
Measuring Spoons: For adding spices, I always prefer using measuring spoons.
Serving Bowl: Once the stew is ready, add it to your choice of serving bowl.

Cowboy Stew With Baked Beans Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: This recipe is big enough to serve four portions. If you want to make more or less, you must adjust the recipe accordingly.

2 Strips Bacon
200 g Kielbasa Sausage: You can use any other sausages that are available. For smoky flavor, you can use Italian, andouille, or chorizo sausages.
500 g Ground Beef
½ Cup Onion
1 Clove Garlic
½ Cup Flour
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Pepper
Chili Powder
½ Cup Diced Tomatoes
1 Cup Baked Beans
2 Green Chilies
½ Cup Sweet Corn
½ Cup Potatoes

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	30 Minutes	40 Minutes

How To Make Cowboy Stew with Baked Beans At Home

Step 1

Cook the bacon in the pan until it is crispy.

Step 2

Further, add the sausages to the same pan.

Step 3

Once you see the color of sausages changing, add the ground beef mixture.

Step 4

Moving forward, add onions, potato, tomatoes, green chilies, and corn to the skillet and mix all of it nicely.

Step 5

Now, season everything with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and chili powder.

Step 6

Further, it is time to add flour to enhance the thickness of the gravy.

Step 7

Now put the baked beans to the skillet and combine it nicely.

Step 8

Once you have mixed everything, pour a cup of water to the skillet and let it cook until the gravy is thickened.

Step 9

The homemade Cowboy Stew With Baked beans will be ready in no time.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

Making stew is always about patience, and it’s worth the wait. I prefer to render the bacon slowly because the fat it releases becomes the flavor goldmine.
Secondly, brown the meat in batches to create the foundation of the stew. This will help you achieve umami-rich flavors.
I would also recommend letting the onions and garlic sweat, rather than rushing them. You can also add a pinch of salt to draw out moisture and deepen flavors more quickly.
Moving on, when you add the canned tomatoes, add the liquid as well, because it contributes to the depth of flavor.
I always ensure to dice the potatoes evenly so they cook consistently. Uneven chunks of potatoes can lead to a stew where some bites are perfect and others are undercooked and mushy.
Next, to adjust the consistency of the stew, add the broth gently while stirring each time. If the stew is thick, you can adjust the amount of broth accordinly.

FAQs About Cowboy Stew With Baked Beans

What kind of sausage works best?

I prefer using Smoked kielbasa as it the classic go-to because of its rich and savory flavors.

How to fix watery stew?

There are a few steps you can follow to thicken the consistency of the stew. First, simmer it uncovered for 10-15 minutes to let the liquid evaporate. Second, you can also add a slurry of cornstarch or flour to improve the texture and consistency of the stew. Third, you can drain out the excess liquid to ensure you achieve a thick consistency rather than a watery one.

Can I skip sautéing the onions and garlic and just toss everything in?

If you’re in a hurry or running late, you can certainly add everything to cook the stew. But if you have time and you want the best flavors to come out, then I would suggest you saute onions and garlic separately to bring out the natural sweetness and make a difference in terms of taste.

What to do if my stew is sticking to the bottom?

Cook the stew over medium or low heat to avoid any scraping to the bottom of pan. Moreover, stir the stew timely to ensure it is cooking evenly.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

A good thing about Cowboy Stew With Baked Beans is that it’s both hearty and nourishing. Packed with protein and fiber from the beans and lean meats, it’s a comforting dish you can feel good about enjoying. To get deeper insights, take a look at the nutritional chart below:

Calories	498 kcal
Carbohydrates	37 g
Protein	28 g
Fat	27 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	12 g
Trans Fat	2 g
Cholesterol	94 mg
Sodium	1026 mg
Potassium	823 g
Fiber	8 g
Sugar	3 g
Vitamin A	387 IU
Vitamin C	11 mg
Calcium	85 mg
Iron	5 mg

Another great thing about Cowboy Stew With Baked Beans is that it can be made completely gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. With the right ingredient choices, it can also be adapted for a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

Recipe Variation For Different Diets

Low-Sodium: To make the low-sodium version use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes. You can also choose fresh or homemade sausage with less salt content and season the stew gradually, tasting as you go.
Gluten-Free: I prefer using gluten-free sausages and ensure the baked beans and broth are gluten-free. Moreover, skipping the flour and use cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener is important.

Storing and Reheating The Recipe

Storing

Let the stew cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating

On the stove: I reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Just ensure to stir occasionally until heated through.
In the microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.
From frozen: Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat using either method above.

What To Serve With This Recipe

Cowboy Stew with Baked Beans is hearty on its own, but trust me it pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its bold, smoky flavors.

Crusty Bread or Cornbread: You can pair your choice of crusty bread or Cornbread with Cowboy Stew with Baked beans. It is a perfect pairing option for soaking up the thick, savory stew.
Coleslaw: Another pairing option is crunchy Coleslaw which brings out refreshing contrast to the rich texture.
Grilled or Roasted Veggies: A great way to balance the meal with something lighter.
Rice or Mashed Potatoes: If you want to stretch the stew further or make it even more filling, try pairing it with rich Mashed Potatoes or Rice.

Printable Version

More Stew Recipes That You Can Try

How-To-Make-Birria-de-Chivo-Estilo-Jalisco-At-Home — Birria de Chivo Estilo Jalisco

Gordon Ramsay’s Mutton Stew — Birria de Chivo Estilo Jalisco

Conclusion

Cowboy Stew With Baked Beans is more than just a meal, it’s comfort in a bowl, a rustic classic that brings together bold flavors and simple ingredients. If you are also looking for a one-pot dish to warm you up on a chilly evening, this stew checks all the boxes.

It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and easily adaptable to different dietary needs. Let me know how it goes in the comment section below.