Cowboy Stew with Potatoes and Meatloaf is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that brings the essence of rustic cooking right to your kitchen. This dish is all about combining the comfort of classic meatloaf with the robust flavors of a traditional cowboy stew, creating a satisfying meal that warms you up from the inside out. The tender chunks of meatloaf soak up the rich, savory stew base, while the potatoes add a soft, starchy texture that makes each bite both filling and delicious.

Originally inspired by the one-pot cooking style of cowboys on the range, this stew is designed to be straightforward and versatile, using ingredients that are easy to find and prepare. The combination of ground beef, spices, and diced vegetables creates layers of flavors that blend together beautifully as they simmer. By incorporating meatloaf, the dish gains an extra dimension of home-cooked goodness, elevating it from a simple stew to a memorable comfort food experience.

Perfect for cold nights, camping trips, or when you’re just craving something hearty and substantial, Cowboy Stew with Potatoes and Meatloaf is a meal that brings together the best of both worlds. It’s a one-pot wonder that embodies the spirit of rugged, outdoor cooking while delivering the flavors and textures of a classic home-cooked dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this stew is sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:
1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Stew:
3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatloaf:

Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Shape the Meatloaf:
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Stew:

Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add the Potatoes and Tomatoes:
Add the chunked potatoes to the pot, followed by the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together.
Simmer the Stew:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.Add the Meatloaf:
Once the potatoes are tender, add the sliced meatloaf to the pot. Gently stir to combine, making sure the meatloaf slices are submerged in the stew. Let the stew simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve the Cowboy Stew:

Serve Hot:
Ladle the stew into bowls, making sure each serving has a good mix of potatoes, meatloaf, and the rich, flavorful broth. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Best Cowboy Stew with Potatoes and Meatloaf:

Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, corn, or peas to the stew for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use Leftover Meatloaf: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover meatloaf. Simply prepare the stew and add the meatloaf slices towards the end of cooking.
Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
Meal Prep Friendly: This stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Cowboy Stew with Potatoes and Meatloaf is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of rustic comfort and hearty flavors. This dish brings together the rich, savory elements of meatloaf and the warmth of a classic stew, resulting in a satisfying culinary experience. The combination of tender potatoes, seasoned meat, and flavorful broth creates a nourishing and wholesome dish that hits all the right notes for a comforting home-cooked dinner.

As the ingredients meld together in a single pot, they develop a depth of flavor that only time and slow cooking can achieve. The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to enjoy a taste of the Old West right from your kitchen. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and appreciate the time-honored tradition of one-pot cooking.

Whether you’re gathered around a campfire or your dining room table, Cowboy Stew with Potatoes and Meatloaf offers a warm and hearty meal that satisfies both body and soul. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, draws people together, and leaves everyone reaching for seconds.