Introducing the delectable Cowboy Stew, a hearty dish bursting with Southwestern flavors and wholesome ingredients! Perfect for those seeking a savory, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. This recipe is a true gem, discovered in the illustrious Texas Country Reported Cookbook, a treasure trove of culinary delights from the heart of the Lone Star State. Let’s dive into the culinary adventure of crafting this delicious Cowboy Stew!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6 hearty portions
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 3-4 carrots, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) whole kernel corn
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 444.8
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.6g
- Cholesterol: 42.4mg
- Sodium: 1097mg
- Carbohydrates: 64.7g
- Fiber: 11.2g
- Sugar: 12.2g
- Protein: 22g
Instructions:
-
Brown the Meat:
Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and melt the butter and margarine. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. -
Add Aromatics:
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion, celery, green bell pepper, and minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and aromatic, about 5 minutes. -
Incorporate Remaining Ingredients:
To the pot, add the sugar, sliced carrots, diced tomatoes, whole kernel corn (with its liquid), and peeled, diced potatoes. Pour in the water and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. -
Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the potatoes and carrots to become tender. This typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the stew is cooked to perfection and your kitchen is filled with its tantalizing aroma, it’s time to serve! Ladle generous portions into bowls and savor the heartiness of this comforting Cowboy Stew. -
Optional: Serve with Cornbread:
For an authentic Southwestern experience, pair your Cowboy Stew with homemade cornbread. The combination of flavors and textures will elevate your meal to new heights of culinary delight.
Tips and Serving Suggestions:
- This Cowboy Stew is a fantastic make-ahead meal, as it tastes even better when reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to intensify.
- Feel free to customize the stew to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- To make this dish even healthier, you can use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.
- Garnish your stew with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
With its robust flavors, wholesome ingredients, and effortless preparation, Cowboy Stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a satisfying weeknight meal, this stew will warm your heart and nourish your soul with every comforting spoonful. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl, and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Southwest with this delightful Cowboy Stew recipe!
