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1861-1900 - Great Plains cattle drivers and chuckwagon cooks
Son-of-a-Gun Stew is a hearty stew associated with cattle drivers and chuckwagon cooks of the Great Plains during westward expansion and post-Civil War settlement. Made with various meats, vegetables, and basic seasonings, this stew reflects resourcefulness and sustenance on the trail.
Difficulty
Medium
Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
2 hours
Total time
2 hours 20 minutes
Servings
6
Region
Great Plains
Era introduced
1861-1900
Introduced by
Great Plains cattle drivers and chuckwagon cooks
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During the cattle trail era of the mid-to-late 19th century, chuckwagon cooks developed practical, filling meals using available ingredients to feed cowboys on long drives. Son-of-a-Gun Stew became a nourishing staple, combining beef trimmings with root vegetables and simple seasonings. This dish symbolizes the grit and ingenuity of frontier life on the Great Plains following the Civil War.
Traditional Great Plains chuckwagon stew recipe adapted from documented cattle trail cooking practices.
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