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The Rich Legacy of Cowboy Stew

Cowboy Stew with Hamburger Meat

Cowboy Stew is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a comforting meal at home. This version uses hamburger meat, making it a quick and easy option for weeknight dinners. Packed with beef, beans, vegetables, and spices, this stew is rich in flavor and sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 lb 450g ground beef (hamburger meat)
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 medium potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 can 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz corn, drained
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper chopped (optional, for heat)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Instructions
 

  • Instructions:
  • Brown the Hamburger Meat:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess fat.
  • Cook the Aromatics:
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Add the Vegetables:
  • Stir in the diced potatoes, green bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper (if using). Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
  • Season the Stew:
  • Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices, releasing their flavors.
  • Add the Beans and Tomatoes:
  • Pour in the pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato sauce. Stir everything together to combine.
  • Simmer the Stew:
  • Add the beef broth (or water) to the pot and stir to mix. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust Seasoning:
  • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If you like a thicker stew, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
  • Serve:
  • Ladle the Cowboy Stew into bowls and serve hot. It pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad. For added flavor, you can top the stew with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped fresh cilantro.