Cowboy Stew

Howdy, folks!  This is my all-time, go-to, dinner-in-a-hurry recipe!  It tastes wonderful, is quick and easy to throw together, and I haven't found anyone yet who doesn't like it. 

I got this recipe from a friend, A. Hensley, but as soon as I started talking about it, I was promptly informed by her sister, P. Blackburn, that the recipe is HERS, not A.'s.  So, since I love 'em both,  I'll give credit here to a couple of nifty sisters!  Thanks for sharing it with me and now the blogging world.

One day on my way home from Snowflake, AZ I learned of the passing of a good friend's husband.  When I got back to Heber-Overgaard, I stopped by her house before heading home.  I felt so bad for her and her family... what a hard thing.  Anyway, she was expecting her sons and their families up from the Mesa/Phoenix area any minute.  I left her, went home, opened a bunch of cans and popped the lid off a jar of my canned hamburger, threw the stew together and was back to her house with it hot and ready to eat in less than an hour, TOTAL! ...including travel time!  They loved it and still talk about it.  She's still amazed that something that tasted that good was so quick to make. 

It's a complete meal in itself but, of course, you can always add a salad, some bread/rolls and butter or the Kickin' Crackers from my last post.  It's a winner and especially with the cool weather approaching rapidly, this will probably become one of your family's favorites, too.

The recipe calls for 1 lb. of browned ground beef.  I'm sure that is wonderful, but I always use my bottled/canned ground beef.  Makes it soooo quick!

Also, sometimes I throw in a handful of dehydrated onions and some granulated beef bouillon, but it is really not necessary... just something I do once in a while.  If I was going to use fresh hamburger, I'd probably saute some onions to go with the browned meat.... we like onions.

One change we've made is to substitute just about any other kind of beans for the kidney beans.  My family doesn't care for them.  I normally use either pinto or great northern white beans.  Anything your family likes, go for it.

It is important NOT to drain the Ranch Style beans as that is where the unique flavor comes from.  In fact, I always rinse the can to get all the sauce out.  AND it is important not  to add extra salt.  There is plenty of salt in the canned stuff.  Additionally, I always take my kitchen shears and cut up the stewed tomatoes since I prefer small chunks of tomatoes...

It is just as easy to double or triple this recipe, if you have a large enough pot, to feed a big group.  Also, if you'd like it a little soupier, just add some water... easy peasy!

Cowboy Stew

1 can Ranch Style beans, undrained

1 can kidney beans, rinsed & drained (or substitute for your favorite beans)

1 can corn, undrained

1 can green beans, undrained

1 can stewed tomatoes

1 can diced tomatoes

1 lb. ground beef, browned

Drain and rinse kidney beans.  Add all ingredients into a large pot.  Heat thoroughly.  EAT!  That's All Folks!!