CANNED COWBOY STEW
Imagine this: your son just announced that his football buddies are staying for dinner, your daughter has a few friends over, or perhaps your husband invited his work friends to watch the game. You need something quick, easy, and delicious that will satisfy a crowd of hungry people. Enter Canned Cowboy Stew, a no-fuss, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and can be prepared with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for those moments when you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a comforting and filling meal that combines meat, sausage, and veggies in a spicy, mouth-watering sauce. Plus, it’s made using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and freezer, making it incredibly convenient.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or Dutch oven
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 1 can beans
- 2 cans potatoes
- 1 can corn
- 1 can green beans
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 to 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Optional: some cabbage, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat.
- Drain all canned ingredients except for the stewed tomatoes.
- In a crockpot or Dutch oven, combine the browned beef and onion with the drained cans of beans, potatoes, corn, and green beans.
- Add the can of stewed tomatoes, chili powder, sugar, and 3 cups of water to the pot.
- Stir everything together, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set the crockpot or Dutch oven to low heat and let the stew simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Serve hot, perhaps with a side of cornbread for an extra special touch.
Tips for Success
Be sure to drain all canned ingredients, except for the tomatoes, to avoid a watery stew. If you like a bit more spice, feel free to increase the chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce.
Additional Tips or Variations
Feel free to customize this stew with other canned or frozen veggies you have on hand, such as peas or carrots. You can also experiment with different types of beans, like black beans or kidney beans, for added variety.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
While the exact nutritional content will vary based on the specific brands and quantities used, this stew is generally a good source of protein and fiber thanks to the ground beef and beans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the ground beef and increase the amount of beans or add a meat substitute.
Can I make this stew in advance? Absolutely! This stew can be made a day ahead and reheated, which can enhance the flavors even more.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Canned Cowboy Stew is a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. It’s sure to become a go-to recipe for busy nights or impromptu gatherings. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Feel free to share your experiences or any creative variations you come up with in the comments below. Enjoy!