Texas Cowboy Stew is a rustic, hearty dish that captures the spirit of the Lone Star State. This one-pot meal combines the savory flavors of ground beef, sausage, potatoes, beans, and vegetables in a richly seasoned tomato-based broth. Perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a hungry family, this stew is as versatile as it is filling. Whether cooked on a stovetop, in a slow cooker, or over an open fire, Texas Cowboy Stew brings comfort and flavor to the table. With roots in cowboy camps and homesteads, this dish celebrates simplicity, bold flavors, and the joy of gathering around a warm meal. Ideal for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, or cold-weather comfort, it’s a recipe that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy to prepare and clean up, this stew is perfect for busy cooks.
- Rich and Hearty: Packed with protein, vegetables, and potatoes, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Feeds a Crowd: Makes a large batch that’s ideal for gatherings or leftovers.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of sausage, beef, and spices creates a robust and satisfying taste.
- Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping or storing for later use.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Crushed tortilla chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meats
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until lightly browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the ground beef.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 3: Build the Base
Return the ground beef and sausage to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine, ensuring all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot are incorporated for added flavor.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Add the diced potatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and frozen corn to the pot. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well-developed.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder for heat, salt for depth, or smoked paprika for a richer flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or warm tortillas.
Ingredient Background
Ground Beef: A staple in cowboy cooking, ground beef adds a hearty, meaty base to the stew. Choose lean beef to reduce excess grease.
Smoked Sausage: Infuses the dish with a smoky, savory flavor that complements the spices and broth.
Potatoes: Provide bulk and texture, making the stew more filling and comforting.
Beans: Kidney and pinto beans add protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the stew.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce form the flavorful base of the broth, adding acidity and richness.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are essential for the Tex-Mex flavor profile, while oregano adds a subtle herbal note.
Technique Tips
- Brown for Flavor: Browning the meats and deglazing the pot ensures a rich and flavorful base.
- Cut Evenly: Dice the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Layer Spices: Add the spices early to toast them slightly, enhancing their flavor.
- Stir Often: Prevent sticking by stirring the stew occasionally as it simmers.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the stew sit for 5 minutes off the heat before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Over Rice: Serve the stew over steamed rice for a hearty Tex-Mex bowl.
- With Cornbread: Pair with cornbread instead of tortillas for a Southern-inspired twist.
- In Bread Bowls: Hollow out small loaves of bread and serve the stew inside for a fun presentation.
- As a Dip: Serve the thickened stew with tortilla chips for a party-friendly option.
Additional Tips for Success
- Make It Ahead: The flavors of Texas Cowboy Stew deepen when made a day in advance.
- Thicker Broth: For a thicker consistency, mash a few potato chunks into the stew or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Add Heat: Include diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
- Double the Batch: This recipe freezes well, so consider making extra for future meals.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Cowboy Stew: Replace the meat with diced zucchini, bell peppers, or extra beans, and use vegetable broth.
- Chicken Cowboy Stew: Substitute ground beef and sausage with shredded chicken or ground turkey.
- Cheesy Stew: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese before serving for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Seafood Stew: Swap the beef and sausage for shrimp or chunks of white fish for a coastal-inspired variation.
Freezing and Storage
To Store: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Thaw frozen stew in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Lean Meats: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium beans, broth, and tomato products to reduce salt content.
- Add Greens: Stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Swap Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-packed alternative.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Weeknight Dinner: Serve with cornbread and a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Camping Trip: Cook over an open fire in a cast-iron pot for an authentic cowboy experience.
- Game Day: Offer as a hearty main dish at your next watch party, with tortilla chips for dipping.
- Potluck: Serve in a slow cooker on warm mode to keep it hot and ready for guests.
Special Equipment
- Dutch Oven: Ideal for even heat distribution and long simmering.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For prepping vegetables and meats.
- Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring and scraping the pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the meats and sauté the onions first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots are excellent additions that complement the stew’s flavors.
Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to increase the heat.
Q: Can I use canned potatoes instead of fresh?
A: While fresh potatoes are preferred, canned potatoes can be used in a pinch. Add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Q: What can I substitute for smoked sausage?
A: Andouille sausage, chorizo, or even kielbasa work well as substitutes.
Q: Is this stew gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
Q: How do I thicken the stew?
A: Mash a few potato chunks or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken the broth.
Q: Can I freeze this stew with potatoes in it?
A: Yes, but note that potatoes may change texture slightly after freezing. Reheat gently to minimize this.
Conclusion
Texas Cowboy Stew is the ultimate one-pot meal, combining hearty ingredients and bold flavors in a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, this recipe is versatile, filling, and delicious. Whether you enjoy it as a traditional stew, over rice, or with a side of cornbread, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients, grab your Dutch oven, and cook up a bowl of Texas-style comfort today!
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Texas Cowboy Stew
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meats
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until lightly browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the ground beef.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 3: Build the Base
Return the ground beef and sausage to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine, ensuring all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot are incorporated for added flavor.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Add the diced potatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and frozen corn to the pot. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well-developed.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder for heat, salt for depth, or smoked paprika for a richer flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or warm tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g