Cowboy Campfire Stew
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some proper grub while you're out Camping ? Honestly, who doesn't love a good stew around a campfire? This Cowboy Campfire Stew is smoky, hearty, and the ultimate comfort food.
Brief Overview
This Beef Stew is inspired by classic chuckwagon cooking. Think proper pioneer days! It's dead easy to make in a Crockpot , and takes about 6- 8 hours on low or 3-4 on high.
This recipe makes about 6-8 servings. Perfect for feeding the whole gang on a k_annotated = Camping trip .
Main Benefits
This stew is packed with protein and fiber from the beef and beans. It will keep you full of energy when you are Camping .
It is a great Easy Camping Meals . Plus, it's fantastic for those chilly evenings around the fire. What makes this recipe extra special is the combination of smoky bacon and sweet BBQ sauce.
Oh my gosh! It is delicious!
Ready to get started with your new favorite Crockpot Recipes ?
Alright, let's talk grub for the great outdoors. Forget those sad, boil-in-a-bag meals. Camping Recipes can be amazing. Especially camping crockpot meals ! I'm talking about chuck-it-in-and-forget about-it deliciousness.
I always make sure to bring a Slow Cooker Recipes with me!
Ingredients & Equipment: Cowboy Campfire Stew Edition
Let's break down what you need for this fantastic Beef Stew , a real winner from my collection of Easy Camping Meals and One-Pot Camping Meals .
Main Ingredients
- Beef Stew Meat: 1 lb (450g) , cubed. Look for a nice marbling of fat. That equals flavour! If it's bright red and doesn't smell weird, you're golden.
- Bacon: 6 slices , chopped. Thick cut is best, because everything is better with bacon. Honestly, if your bacon isn't good, the whole stew suffers.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup ). Get a firm one, you know? No squishy onions allowed.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best. Trust me.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Extra virgin is fancy, but regular's fine.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can , undrained. Get the ones with herbs, they're usually really good.
- Kidney Beans: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can , rinsed and drained.
- Pinto Beans: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can , rinsed and drained.
- Corn: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can , drained. I use frozen sometimes, works great!
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) . Low sodium is a shout, so you can control the salt.
- BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Use your favourite! I like the smoky ones.
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens. A stew is just a stew without the right spices.
- Essential Spice Combo: Chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano. Don't skimp!
- Flavour Enhancers: A dash of salt and pepper goes a long way. Taste as you go, my friends.
- Quick Subs: No smoked paprika? Regular paprika with a tiny drop of liquid smoke. Just a wee bit! Otherwise you'll end up with a campfire not food. If you like bean Chili Recipes this is a good one.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, keep it functional for Campfire Cooking !
- A 6-quart (or larger) Crockpot (aka Slow Cooker). The bigger, the better! You never know who'll show up at the campsite. A Dutch oven is good for Outdoor Cooking , but is better at home if you have electric only.
- A large skillet is handy.
- Cutting board, knife, measuring cups, and a wooden spoon.
- Household Alternative: If you don't have a fancy skillet, use a pot. Adapt and survive!
Camping is all about relaxing, and these Crockpot Recipes make it easy. Especially good for k_annotated . After a long hike, nothing beats a bowl of hot, hearty stew.
This cowboy campfire stew recipe is a great way to get started in Glamping Recipes and make-ahead Camping Meals . I really hope you enjoy this as one of your next Camping Food Ideas !
Cowboy Campfire Stew: Your Secret Weapon for Camping
Honestly, who wants to spend all their time cooking while Camping Recipes ? Not me! That's why I'm obsessed with Crockpot Recipes .
This Cowboy Campfire Stew is seriously the best Slow Cooker Recipes trick for delicious, easy Easy Camping Meals .
It's hearty, flavourful, and perfect after a long day of hiking. Forget those sad, pre-packaged meals. With a bit of prep, you can have a proper feast waiting for you at the campsite.
Think of it as the ultimate Comfort Food under the stars.
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized
- Essential mise en place: Chop your onion, mince your garlic, cube your beef and chop the bacon before you leave home. It'll save you precious daylight at the campsite.
- Time saving organization tips: Pack all your spices together in a small container. Pre-measure ingredients if you're feeling extra keen.
- Safety reminders: Make sure your crockpot is secure for travel, use your fridge and keep raw and cooked foods separate.
How to Make Awesome Camping Crockpot Meals: step-by-step
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Brown 1 lb beef stew meat in batches. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. This is important! Browning adds so much flavour.
- Cook the Bacon & Aromatics: Cook 6 chopped bacon slices until crispy. Remove bacon. Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in the bacon drippings until soft.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can pinto beans, 1 can corn, 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano to the crockpot.
- Add Beef, Bacon & Aromatics: Throw in the browned beef, cooked bacon, and sautéed onion and garlic.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . The beef needs to be tender.
- Season & Serve: Salt and pepper to taste. Top with cheese or sour cream if wanted.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Camping Game
- Don't skip browning the beef! Honestly, this step is crucial for flavour. I learned that the hard way after many bland camping meals. I use that advice in many of my Beef Stew or One-Pot Camping Meals .
- If you want an extra thick stew : Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- make-ahead option : Assemble everything in a ziplock bag and freeze! Thaw overnight before cooking. The perfect way to make make-ahead Camping Meals .
Now you're set for some amazing camping grub! This Cowboy Campfire Stew is a guaranteed hit. So grab your crockpot, head into the great outdoors, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Making Your Cowboy Stew Shine
Alright, partner! Before you ride off into the sunset with your Cowboy Campfire Stew, here are some things to keep in mind.
We're talking tips and tricks, ways to store your gold, and serving suggestions that’ll make you the hero of any camping recipes .
Serving Up a Feast: Plating and Presentation
Presentation is key, even when you're roughing it! Ladle your stew into enamelware bowls for that authentic campfire cooking feel.
A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar really brings it all together. Think rustic charm, not fancy pants.
A hearty stew deserves a hearty presentation, right?
For sides, think simple but effective. A hunk of crusty bread or some cornbread will mop up that delicious gravy.
And let's not forget a crisp, refreshing coleslaw to cut through the richness. Wash it all down with a cold beer or a steaming mug of coffee whatever tickles your fancy! Honestly, Easy Camping Meals are the best.
Storage Secrets: Keeping It Fresh
Leftovers? That's like finding gold in the hills! But you need to store them right.
- Fridge Rules: Let the stew cool completely before refrigerating. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep for 3-4 days .
- Freezing is a Yes! For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Portion it into freezer safe bags or containers. It'll stay good for up to 3 months . Don't forget to label it! No one wants mystery stew.
- Reheating 101: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it's a bit thick, add a splash of beef broth. You want a nice, hearty consistency, not a gloopy mess.
Tweaks and Twists: Variations to Try
Fancy a change? This stew is your canvas!
- Go Spicy: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a kick. Or throw in some chopped jalapeños. I know some folks like it hot!
- Veggie Delight: Swap the beef for firm tofu or add extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Perfect for a vegetarian camping recipes twist. A slow cooker recipes adaptation can be a saviour!
- Seasonal Swap: Sweet potatoes diced in the mix adds depth and a twist that just make it a great winter warmer.
Nutrition Nuggets: Fueling Your Adventure
Let's break it down. This Cowboy Campfire Stew is packed with protein from the beef and beans, essential for keeping you going on those long hikes.
It's also got a good dose of fiber to keep things moving, if you catch my drift. Calories are around 420 per serving, but remember, these are estimates.
This is serious comfort food , after all.
Key health benefits? Well, it's a balanced meal that's full of flavour and satisfaction. And honestly, sometimes that's all you need after a long day of exploring.
Enjoy your one-pot camping meals ! If you're looking for ways to bring the campfire to your table, Cowboy Campfire Stew is the perfect choice.
It's an easy way to add a hearty dose of the West to any camping trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep this Cowboy Campfire Stew ahead of time for my camping trip?
Absolutely! You can chop all the vegetables, brown the beef and bacon, and even combine all the ingredients in a large freezer bag (except the beef broth). When you're ready to cook, just dump the contents into your crockpot, add the beef broth, and let it simmer away.
It's like having your own sous chef in the wilderness!
What if I don't have a crockpot with a car adapter? How can I still make camping crockpot meals?
No worries, mate! You have a couple of options. Firstly, you can cook the stew at home and then transfer it to a well insulated container (like a Yeti cooler) to keep it hot for several hours.
Alternatively, and depending on your set up, you could look at using a generator or a portable power station to run your crockpot at the campsite.
How long will leftover Cowboy Campfire Stew last, and how should I store it when camping?
Leftover stew, stored properly, will last for 3-4 days in a refrigerator. When camping, ensure your cooler is well iced and maintains a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Pack the cooled stew in airtight containers and place them deep in the cooler to keep them coldest.
Always err on the side of caution and discard if there's any doubt about its freshness better safe than sorry when you're away from modern conveniences!
Can I adapt this camping crockpot meals recipe to be vegetarian or vegan friendly?
You bet! For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the beef with 1 lb of firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or add extra beans like black beans or cannellini beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
For a vegan version, ensure your BBQ sauce is vegan friendly (some contain honey) and skip the cheddar cheese and sour cream garnishes. A dollop of vegan sour cream or avocado slices would be a great alternative!
Is this Cowboy Campfire Stew healthy? What are some nutritional considerations?
This stew is a pretty balanced meal, offering protein, carbs, and some healthy fats. To make it even healthier, you could use a leaner cut of beef, reduce the amount of BBQ sauce (or use a low-sugar version), and load up on extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
Be mindful of the sodium content, and adjust the salt added to taste. As with any campfire treat, keep your portion sizes in check!
What are some good side dishes or accompaniments to serve with this Cowboy Campfire Stew while camping?
Classic cornbread is always a winner! It's easy to bake in a cast iron skillet over the campfire (if you're feeling adventurous) or bring pre-made. A fresh, crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the rich stew. And of course, nothing beats a simple packet of crackers for dipping!
Don't forget to keep hydrated with a good old cup of tea or coffee!
Cowboy Campfire Stew
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 420 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 8g |