If you’re craving a warming bowl that’s packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures, look no further than this Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Kielbasa, and Vegetables Recipe. This rustic stew brings together crispy bacon, smoky kielbasa, tender ground beef, and a colorful medley of veggies all simmered to perfection. Each spoonful offers a comforting mix of savory, smoky, and subtly spicy notes—a true celebration of hearty, down-to-earth cooking that feels just like a big, warm hug in a bowl.

Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Kielbasa, and Vegetables Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this soul-satisfying stew, you’ll gather simple yet essential ingredients that each bring their own magic. From the smoky bacon that adds irresistible depth, to the fresh vegetables providing texture and brightness, these components transform into a harmonious dish that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds crispy, smoky flavor that forms the stew’s savory backbone.
Kielbasa Sausage (2 packages, 12 ounces each, sliced): Brings a meaty, smoky richness that complements the bacon perfectly.
Ground Beef (1 1/2 pounds, 80/20): Offers hearty substance and a tender bite for satisfying protein.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Provides sweetness and depth to the stew’s flavor profile.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses a punch of aromatic warmth throughout the dish.
All-Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the stew and bind all those delicious flavors together.
Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and balances the savory notes.
Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle smoky heat to wake up the palate.
Petite Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Offers a tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
Baked Beans or Ranch Beans (2 cans, 16 ounces each): Adds creamy texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the meats.
Chopped Green Chilies (1 can, 7 ounces): Provides a mild, bright heat to lift the stew.
Sweet Corn (1 can, 15 ounces): Brings bursts of natural sweetness and color contrast.
Russet Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cubed): Give the stew heartiness and soak up all those rich flavors.
Water (1 cup): Helps meld the ingredients into a rich, comforting broth.
Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Offers fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.

How to Make Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Kielbasa, and Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it is brown and crispy. This step is crucial, as the rendered fat left behind will infuse the entire stew with a deep, smoky richness. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, saving the flavorful drippings in the pot for the next steps.

Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa Sausage

Using the bacon drippings, brown the kielbasa slices in the same pot. Allow both sides to develop a caramelized crust; this adds a wonderful texture and helps lock in their smoky flavor. Set the browned kielbasa aside, as it’ll rejoin the stew later to blend with the other hearty ingredients.

Step 3: Sauté the Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Next, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook over medium heat until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks or burns. This forms the stew’s meaty foundation and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Add the Flour and Seasonings

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder directly into the pot with the beef mixture. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to evenly coat the meat and vegetables. This not only seasons the base but also helps thicken the stew as it simmers.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients and Simmer

Now comes the exciting part—add the petite diced tomatoes (with liquid), baked beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn (with liquid), cubed russet potatoes, the reserved crispy bacon, browned kielbasa, and one cup of water into the pot. Stir everything gently to combine. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer, covered, for about one hour. Stir the stew occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a splash of water if it gets too thick. This long simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a luscious, hearty stew.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal freshness that brightens the rich, smoky flavors. The parsley is the perfect final touch that elevates this cowboy classic into something truly special.

How to Serve Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Kielbasa, and Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also get creative with garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and tang. Freshly cracked black pepper on top brings a bit of spice and visual appeal. These simple touches make every bowl feel like a warm invitation.

Side Dishes

This Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Kielbasa, and Vegetables Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread or buttery cornbread to soak up all the stew’s fantastic juices. A side of creamy coleslaw or a simple green salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the stew’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for a crowd or family night, consider ladling this stew into individual bread bowls for a fun twist. You could also serve it over cooked rice or mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, this stew shines in many creative presentations—perfect for cozy gatherings or a hearty weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Kielbasa, and Vegetables Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making for delicious, easy meals throughout the week.

Freezing

This stew freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through. Either way, it heats up quickly and tastes just as comforting as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Absolutely! While kielbasa adds a smoky, slightly garlicky flavor that’s classic, you can substitute smoked sausage, chorizo, or even a spicy Andouille sausage depending on your taste preference and availability. Just be sure to brown it well for maximum flavor.

Is this stew spicy?

This recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to the chili powder and green chilies, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier kick.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the meats and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the potatoes and corn with enough liquid, and stir occasionally if possible for even cooking.

What can I substitute for baked beans?

If you don’t have baked or ranch beans, you can use pinto beans, kidney beans, or black beans. Just make sure they’re well-drained or adjust the liquid in the stew accordingly to maintain the right consistency.

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

To turn this into a vegetarian dish, omit the bacon, kielbasa, and ground beef, and replace with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and extra beans or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth, and be sure to season well for that rich, comforting flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Kielbasa, and Vegetables Recipe enough for anyone looking to enjoy a meal that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and heartiness. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, cozying up on cool nights, or making ahead for easy weekday dinners. Once you try it, it might just become your new favorite go-to stew—trust me, it’s that good!

Hearty Cowboy Stew with Bacon, Kielbasa, and Vegetables Recipe

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4.1 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty Cowboy Stew combines smoky bacon, savory kielbasa sausage, ground beef, and a medley of vegetables and beans simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this stew is packed with protein and bold flavors, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying dinner on a chilly day.

Ingredients

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Meat and Protein

4 slices bacon, chopped
2 (12-ounce) packages kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20

Vegetables and Beans

1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, with liquid
2 (16-ounce) cans baked beans or ranch beans, with liquid
1 (7-ounce) can chopped green chilies, with liquid
1 (15-ounce) can sweet corn, with liquid
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Seasonings and Other

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup water

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Instructions

Cook Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is browned and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
Brown Sausage: Using the drippings left in the pot from the bacon, brown the kielbasa sausage slices on both sides until they develop a nice sear. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Cook Beef: In the same pot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and chili powder over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for an additional 1 minute to incorporate the flour and spices.
Add Ingredients: Add the petite diced tomatoes, baked beans, chopped green chilies, sweet corn, cubed potatoes, cooked bacon, browned sausage, and 1 cup of water to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Simmer Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the stew for freshness and added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

For a spicier stew, add additional chili powder or some cayenne pepper.
Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the amount of water or simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes.
This stew can be made a day ahead; flavors will deepen when reheated.
Use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes to control the salt content.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Category: Stew
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American