Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s packed with bold flavors? This Texas Cowboy Stew is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! With hearty ingredients like ground beef, smoked sausage, crispy bacon, beans, and potatoes, it’s a one-pot wonder that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy evening, this stew delivers rich, smoky flavors with every spoonful. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste, whether you like it spicy or mild.
Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need something satisfying in a pinch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, veggies, and potatoes, this stew is a complete meal in itself.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully for meal prep.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family dinners or gatherings, this flavorful stew is always a hit!
Variations:
• Add Heat: Toss in a diced jalapeño or 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace the meat with plant-based alternatives or add extra beans and vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
• Switch Up the Beans: Try pinto beans or cannellini beans for a fresh flavor spin.
Storage Instructions:
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
• Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Swap smoked sausage for chorizo, kielbasa, or Italian sausage to change the flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Diced carrots, bell peppers, or green beans are great additions.
Texas Cowboy Stew
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 14 ounces smoked sausage sliced
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces corn kernels drained
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Sausage and Bacon:
- Add the sliced smoked sausage and crumbled bacon. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sausage is heated through.
Add Potatoes:
- Toss in the diced potatoes and stir to combine with the meat mixture.
Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, including the juice.
Season and Add Broth:
- Pour in the beef broth and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well blended.
Optional – Add Cheese:
- For a creamy finish, stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.
