Craving a comforting, flavourful meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this hearty Cowboy Stew recipe! Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner, this delicious dish is packed with nutritious ingredients and requires minimal effort. Forget complicated recipes; this one is a champion of simple, homemade cooking, delivering big on taste without sacrificing ease. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for those seeking healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. This step adds incredible depth of flavour to your stew. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don't be afraid to let the vegetables brown slightly – it adds complexity to the flavour profile.
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Build the flavour base: Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen their flavour.
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Combine everything: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, and potatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Simmer to perfection: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. The longer it simmers, the more the flavours meld together.
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This hearty stew is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cowboy Stew:
- For a richer flavour: Use bone-in beef stew meat. The bone marrow adds incredible richness to the broth.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the beef in batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Cowboy Stew: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Cowboy Stew: Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, butternut squash, or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Slow Cooker Cowboy Stew: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This delicious and easy Cowboy Stew recipe is perfect for a comforting and healthy meal any time of the year. It’s a fantastic example of how simple, homemade cooking can produce delicious and satisfying results. Enjoy!