Cowboy Stew

Step 1

Cook the bacon over medium heat in a Dutch Oven or large pot until crispy. Remove, drain it over a paper towel lined plate, crumble and set it aside.

Step 2

Discard excess bacon grease, leaving about 2 Tbsp bacon grease in the pot. Then add the smoked sausage and cook until both sides are brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside on the plate with the bacon.

Step 3

Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, add in onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess liquid from the ground beef.

Step 4

Add in flour, mix well, and cook for a minute or two.

Step 5

Add the bacon crumbles and kielbasa back to the pot, along with the diced tomatoes, rotel, beans, corn, potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, chili powder, and beef broth. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer for 1 hour. You can cook this stew quickly in 30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender, but we like to simmer it longer.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasonings like salt and pepper. Serve immediately with fresh, warm cornbread.