Delicious One-Pot Cowboy Stew Recipe: Easy Dinner!

Okay, Mom Tribe, gather ’round! Let’s talk about those nights when the 5 PM panic hits, and you’re staring into the fridge wondering what magical meal will appear. I’ve been there. More times than I can count. That’s why I’m SO excited to share this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe!

It’s a hearty, delicious, and, most importantly, EASY dinner that the whole family will love. My first memory of making this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe involves a rainy Tuesday, two screaming kids, and a desperate need for something warm and comforting. This simple stew recipe saved the day, and it’s been a staple ever since. Consider this your new go-to weapon against the dinner demons. Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

Alright, let’s break down what you’ll need for this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe. Don’t worry, it’s not a mile-long list – because who has time for that? Trust me, this simple stew recipe ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 1 lb ground beef: You can also use stew meat if you prefer, but ground beef is quicker and budget-friendly.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white, whatever you have on hand.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic.
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Don’t drain them! That juice is flavor gold.
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained: I sometimes use black beans too, depending on what’s in the pantry.
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained: Frozen corn works great as well!
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies: Adds a little kick – omit if your kids are super sensitive to spice.
• 1 packet taco seasoning: This is my secret weapon for easy flavor.
• 4 cups beef broth: Low sodium is always a good idea.
• 1 cup water: Adjust to your desired consistency.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Because we’re not robots.

No worries if you don’t have green chilies – I use a dash of hot sauce all the time in my One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe if I want a little extra heat! You can grab the taco seasoning at Target while doing your regular grocery run; it’s always on my list.

This One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe doesn’t have to break the bank; ground beef is often on sale, and canned goods are pantry staples. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. My family loves when I add extra corn – the sweetness is a great contrast!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, my friend, it’s time to turn these ingredients into a delicious One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe! This campfire stew is so simple, even on those days when you’re feeling totally frazzled, you can pull this off. I promise.

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven (hence the “one-pot”!), brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Trust me; this simple stew recipe works best when you take the time to brown the beef well.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Here’s a One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe trick that saved my sanity: I chop the onion while the beef is browning to save time.
3. Add the goods: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, green chilies, and taco seasoning. Mix well to combine all these yummy ingredients in our hearty stew recipe.
4. Pour in the liquids: Pour in the beef broth and water. Bring the One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t panic if your One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe looks a little thin at first; it will thicken as it simmers.

In my chaotic kitchen, this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe usually takes about an hour from start to finish, but it’s mostly hands-off simmering time. While your One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

Here’s where I used to mess up my One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe – I wouldn’t let it simmer long enough! Now, I make sure it simmers for at least 30 minutes, and it makes all the difference. Your One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe should smell amazing by now – that’s when you know it’s almost ready!

How We Love to Eat This!

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe bubbling away. But how do you actually serve it to your ravenous crew? Here are a few ideas that have worked wonders in my house!

The kids devour this hearty stew recipe when I serve it with a dollop of sour cream and some shredded cheese. And of course, a side of cornbread is always a winner! This One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe reminds me of another family favorite – check out Pretzel Crusted Chicken for another sanity-saving dinner idea.

This One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners or even a casual weekend gathering. I’ve even taken it camping! I love using this recipe for Cowboy Stew – Campfire, Stovetop, Oven and Slow Cooker Method. My friend Sarah always asks for the recipe when I make it for her family.

For presentation, I just throw it in a bowl and let everyone dig in. No fancy garnishes needed! This simple stew recipe is also great for leftovers. I often pack it in the kids’ lunchboxes the next day.

In the fall, I sometimes add a can of pumpkin puree for a slightly sweeter, heartier flavor. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce. We also enjoy this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe with a side of warm tortillas for dipping.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe. I know how it is – you see a recipe, and immediately your brain starts firing off a million “what ifs.”

• Can my picky eater handle this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe?
  • Honestly, it depends on the picky eater! My strategy is to let them pick out the ingredients they don’t like (corn is usually the culprit) and focus on the beef and broth. I find if I make a beef stew recipe they will eat the beef and broth. Sometimes I even blend a small portion of the One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe for my toddler who is texture-sensitive.
• What if I burn my One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
  • Been there, done that! If it’s just a little bit burnt on the bottom, carefully transfer the non-burnt portion to a clean pot. Add a little extra broth to help loosen any stuck bits. Learn from my mistakes with this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe, Momma!
• Can I make this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe ahead for meal prep?
  • Absolutely! This simple stew recipe is perfect for meal prep. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
• Is this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe gluten-free?
  • It is if you use gluten-free taco seasoning! Always double-check the label.
• Can I freeze this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe?
  • Yep! Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• What kind of beef broth should I use for this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe?
  • I usually use low-sodium beef broth so I can control the saltiness. But any beef broth will work!
• Can I add other vegetables to this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe?
  • Of course! Feel free to add diced carrots, potatoes, or celery. Just add them when you add the onions and garlic so they have time to cook through.

You might also want to check out this Cowboy Stew {Hearty!} recipe.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe is special to my family because it’s a reminder that even on the craziest days, we can still enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal together. It’s a simple stew recipe that brings comfort and warmth to our table, and I hope it does the same for yours.

My One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe Mom Hacks:

• Pre-chop your veggies: Do this on the weekend to save time during the week.
• Use pre-cooked ground beef: If you’re REALLY short on time, use pre-cooked ground beef from the store.
• Double the recipe: Make a double batch and freeze half for a future meal.

Here are a few family-tested One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe variations:

• Spicy Cowboy Stew: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. My husband loves this version!
• Cheesy Cowboy Stew: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese right before serving. The kids go wild for this one.
• Sweet Potato Cowboy Stew: Add diced sweet potatoes for a sweeter, heartier flavor.

This Dutch Oven Cowboy Stew: Easy, Hearty & Delicious One Pot … recipe can be found here. Remember, this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe is just a starting point. Make it your own!

I hope you enjoy this simple stew recipe as much as my family does. Happy cooking, my friends! Give it a try and let me know what you think. You got this! Because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfection, it’s about feeding our families and making memories around the table. One delicious spoonful of One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe at a time.

💖 You can also try my Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Butter for a seasonal treat. Enjoying this One-Pot Cowboy Stew recipe will make you feel like a true pioneer woman!

 

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