Dinner

Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe

Byluca Carter January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

Introduction

Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with ground beef, smoked sausage, beans, and spices, this stew brings bold Texas flavors to your table. It’s easy to prepare and serves a satisfying dinner for the whole family.

A close-up image showing a ladle full of a thick stew-like dish held above a white pot, filled with visible layers of cooked ground meat, round slices of sausage with a slightly browned surface, yellow corn kernels, dark red kidney beans, and small chunks of light-colored potatoes. The mixture is coated in a rich, glossy brown sauce that looks hearty and chunky. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 package (14 ounces) skinless smoked sausage, sliced

4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained

1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add the sliced smoked sausage and crumbled cooked bacon to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the sausage is heated through.
Step 3: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
Step 4: Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with their juice.

Step 5: Add the beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 6: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
Step 7: Optional: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.

Step 8: Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For added smoky flavor, use smoked sausage and add a dash of liquid smoke if desired.
You can substitute the smoked sausage with chorizo or kielbasa for different flavor profiles.

Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra color and heat.
Leftover stew tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until hot throughout. This stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a large scoop of thick chili stew held above a white pot, showing three main layers: top layer with bright yellow corn kernels and deep red kidney beans, middle layer with light brown ground meat and slices of browned sausage, bottom layer with chunks of pale potatoes mixed with a rich, brownish sauce that binds all ingredients together. The texture looks hearty and chunky with visible soft and firm pieces, all sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef, sausage, and bacon with additional beans, vegetables, or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

What can I serve with Texas Cowboy Stew?

This stew pairs well with cornbread, crusty bread, or a simple green salad to balance the hearty flavors.

luca Carter