Cowboy Stew with Potatoes and Meatloaf: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Meal

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatloaf:

1. 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.
2. 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:

3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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:

7. 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.