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Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe

4.9 from 120 reviews

Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal packed with ground beef, smoked sausage, bacon, potatoes, beans, corn, and a blend of southwestern spices. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this stew simmers to tender perfection, delivering a rich and robust taste that embodies the spirit of Texas cowboy cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 package (14 ounces) skinless smoked sausage, sliced
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 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 black pepper

Optional

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat and Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat from the pot to reduce greasiness.
  2. Add Sausage and Bacon: Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and crumbled cooked bacon. Cook together for a few more minutes until the sausage is heated through and flavors meld.
  3. Add Potatoes: Incorporate the peeled and diced potatoes into the mixture, stirring to combine evenly with the meats and aromatics.
  4. Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Pour in the drained kidney beans, black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir gently to distribute all the ingredients.
  5. Season and Add Broth: Add the beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
  6. Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the stew’s flavors are well blended.
  7. Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated into the stew for extra creaminess and flavor.
  8. Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy this warm, hearty dish as a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute smoked sausage with andouille or chorizo for a spicier flavor.
  • Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to taste depending on preferred spice levels.
  • This stew can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld more.
  • Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Optional toppings include chopped green onions, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added freshness.

Keywords: Texas Cowboy Stew, Beef Stew, Hearty Stew, One-Pot Meal, Smoked Sausage Stew, Southwestern Stew, Comfort Food, Potato Stew