Description
Cowboy stew brings rustic ranch flavors straight from the American Southwest, packed with tender beef, robust vegetables, and rich spices. Simmered slowly in a crockpot, this comforting meal delivers warmth and satisfaction that will transport you to wide-open prairie landscapes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
Canned and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Thoroughly sear ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until rich brown color develops, meticulously draining accumulated fat.
- Transfer beef into large crockpot, creating foundational layer for stew’s robust flavor profile.
- Layer chopped potatoes, diced onions, sliced carrots, kidney beans, and corn atop browned meat, ensuring even distribution.
- Cascade diced tomatoes across vegetable mixture, creating vibrant color and acidic undertone.
- Gently pour beef broth, ensuring liquid cascades evenly throughout ingredients.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt, delicately seasoning each ingredient.
- Use wooden spoon to integrate seasonings and ingredients, promoting harmonious flavor blending.
- Secure crockpot lid, allowing stew to simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours.
- Verify vegetable tenderness by piercing with fork; vegetables should yield easily without excessive resistance.
- Ladle steaming stew into deep ceramic bowls, capturing medley of hearty ingredients and rich, developed flavors.
Notes
- Customize meat options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
- Boost vegetable nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for increased fiber and vitamins.
- Enhance flavor complexity by using fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder and adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Reduce sodium content by choosing low-sodium beef broth and rinsing canned beans thoroughly before adding to the crockpot.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg