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Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Homemade Comfort Food

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A simple, hearty cowboy stew made with just five main ingredients that delivers rich, smoky flavors and comforting warmth. Perfect for busy evenings or cozy nights, this stew is easy to prepare and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 2 cups canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add the can of diced tomatoes with juices and the beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
  3. Season the stew with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  4. Drain and rinse the canned kidney beans, then gently fold them into the pot, being careful not to mash them.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar, and let the stew simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if desired. Add more broth or water if the stew is too thick.
  7. Serve the stew warm, ideally with crusty bread or cornbread.

Notes

For extra flavor, optionally sauté diced onions or garlic with the beef before adding tomatoes and broth. Slow and low simmering is key to developing rich flavors. Avoid stirring too aggressively after adding beans to keep them intact. Leftovers taste better the next day and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy stew, hearty stew, easy stew recipe, 5-ingredient stew, comfort food, ground beef stew, smoky stew

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/hearty-cowboy-stew-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-homemade-comfort-food/