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## 👩🍳 Instructions
1. **Prepare the Ingredients**:
* Chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots.
* Dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
* Slice the kielbasa sausage and crumble the cooked bacon if using.([allrecipes.com][2])
2. **Brown the Meats**:
* In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
* Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook until browned.
* If using, add the crumbled bacon and sauté for an additional minute.
* Drain any excess fat.([recipestasteful.com][4])
3. **Sauté the Vegetables**:
* Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots to the pot.
* Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. **Add the Remaining Ingredients**:
* Stir in the diced potatoes, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, kidney beans, black beans, green beans, and mixed vegetables.
* Pour in the beef broth and water.
5. **Season the Stew**:
* Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
* Stir to combine all ingredients.([recipestasteful.com][4])
6. **Simmer the Stew**:
* Bring the stew to a boil over high heat.
* Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
* Let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. **Optional: Add Cheese**:
* If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
* Cover the pot to allow the cheese to melt.
8. **Serve**:
* Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot.
* Pair with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.
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## 🔄 Variations
Cowboy stew is highly adaptable. Here are some variations to consider:
* **Vegetarian Cowboy Stew**:
* Omit the meats and use vegetable broth.
* Increase the amount of beans and vegetables for added protein and texture.
* **Spicy Cowboy Stew**:
* Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
* Use spicy sausage instead of regular kielbasa.
* **Slow Cooker Cowboy Stew**:
* Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed.
* Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker.
* Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.([alicesrecipes.com][3])
