One of the best things about this recipe is that it is very forgiving and can easily be adapted to what you have on hand. If you like things to have a little kick, you can add Rotel and a jalapeño like I did. I used mild Rotel and took the seeds out of the jalapeño because I just like a really understated kick. But those things can easily be eliminated, or you can use hot Rotel and leave the seeds in if you want it really spicy.
I also used fresh carrots, frozen peas, canned green beans, and a can of corn. All of those things could easily be replaced with a bag of frozen mixed veggies. I couldn’t find them at the commissary that day, but if I could have, I would definitely have just used the frozen mix.
This stew makes a lot, which is great for our family. The leftovers are just as good or even better the next day. All of my kids enjoyed this meal, which always is my sign if I need to put something on the blog. I hope you try this and enjoy it as we did!
More Easy Comfort Food Dinners
- Cowboy Casserole
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Hamburger Tomato and Veggie Goulash
- Classic Meatloaf
- Easy Chicken Pot Pie
- Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Step-by-step pictures for how to make Cowboy Stew
Frequently Asked Questions about how to make Cowboy Stew
Can this Cowboy Stew be made in the slow cooker?
Yes. It will work best if you brown the beef, onions, celery, carrots, and jalapeño before adding everything to the crock pot. Another option is to use a can of green chilis in place of the jalapeño and using a bag of frozen mixed veggies in place of the carrots, peas, corn, and green beans. This is the type of recipe that is very forgiving and can be adapted to what you have on hand.
Instead of Cumin and Chili Powder can I use a chili or taco seasoning packet?
Yes. Using a chili or taco packet in place of the cumin and chili powder will work great. Those packets usually have salt added, so don’t add the salt called for in the recipe until after you have added the seasoning packet and tasted the stew to see if it needs more salt.
If I don’t have Kielbasa is there something I can use as a substitute or should I just use more Ground beef?
As I said above, this recipe is super versatile. If you don’t have Kielbasa, you can use hot dogs or add more ground beef or an extra can of beans instead of more meat.
Is this Cowboy Stew Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, if you make it as written, it is gluten-free. IF you use a chili or taco SEASONING packet in place of the spices, you will need to make sure it is a gluten-free seasoning packet.
chef’s tools:
Serve with...
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 1 package Kielbasa, sliced
- 2-3 segments of garlic, crushed
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 4-5 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4-5 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes (Can use fire-roasted if desired.)
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 4 cups water
- 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained
- In a large 5- 6-quart Cast Iron Roaster or soup pot, saute the hamburger, onion, salt, pepper, and jalapeño until the beef is browned and onions are translucent.
- Add the kielbasa and garlic, and sauté for another minute or two.
- Next, add the carrots, celery, potatoes, corn, peas, kidney beans, pinto beans, Rotel, diced tomatoes, green beans, cumin, and chili powder.
- Now add 4 cups of water and stir. If the water level doesn't come up to the top of the meat and veggies, add a little more until it does.
- Bring to a boil, stir well, and turn the heat down to a simmer and allow the stew to simmer for 30-45 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are nice and tender.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve with a side of bread or rolls.
- Enjoy!
More Delicious Stew Recipes
This looks so good. I’m making it this weekend, perhaps even making that french bread to go along with it. I have a few hot dogs languishing in my freezer so I was glad to see that hot dogs can be subbed out for the kielbasa
Hi Kathy,
Awesome, I hope you enjoyed it!
I did make this, it did make a lot and everyone really liked it. I shared it with my daughter and her family and my 94 year old father. Great recipe and I will make it again! I made biscuits to go with it.
Awesome! I am so happy to hear that and yum, biscuits are the perfect addition to that meal!