Picture a hearty bowl of Texas Cowboy Stew, its rich aroma filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
This easy-to-make dish is a cozy favorite, blending smoky sausage, ground beef, and vibrant vegetables for an indulgent meal.
As these simple ingredients simmer together, their flavors deepen, transforming into a satisfying stew that’s perfect for any gathering.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and savor every spoonful.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Texas Cowboy Stew, you can follow this timeline:
- Preparation (15 minutes):
- 0:00-0:02: Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- 0:02-0:10: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and peel and dice the potatoes.
- 0:10-0:15: Slice the smoked sausage.
- Cooking (1 hour):
- 0:15-0:25: Heat the large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, and drain the excess fat.
- 0:25-0:30: Add the smoked sausage to the pot; cook and stir.
- 0:30-0:35: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
- 0:35-0:40: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- 0:40-0:45: Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and seasonings (chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper).
- 0:45-0:50: Add the diced potatoes and mix well; bring the stew to a boil.
- 0:50-1:35: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Resting (10 minutes):
- 1:35-1:45: Remove the pot from heat and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
Drain excess fat and add the smoked sausage slices to the pot.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the pot.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Add the diced potatoes and mix well.
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and guarantee even cooking.
Remove the pot from heat and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful stew.
- Cornbread: Sweet and soft cornbread complements the hearty, savory flavors of the stew.
- Rice: Serve the stew over a bed of rice to make it even more filling and comforting.
- Tortilla Chips: Add a crunch by serving the stew with tortilla chips on the side.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess and balances the spices.
Storage
Store Texas Cowboy Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Texas Cowboy Stew, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Texas Cowboy Stew, use a stovetop on medium heat.
Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, on medium power.
Stir halfway for even heating.
Final Thoughts
Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper will give the stew an extra kick.
Serving this stew with crusty bread or cornbread can complement the rich flavors.
Remember to adjust the seasoning to your preference, and feel free to substitute your favorite beans or add extra vegetables for added variety.
This stew isn’t only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great option for a comforting meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just a cozy night in, Texas Cowboy Stew is sure to satisfy.
Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this American classic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Turkey Instead of Ground Beef for a Lighter Version?
Absolutely, you can swap turkey for ground beef for a lighter stew. The turkey’s lean profile provides a delicate base, complementing the robust flavors of smoked sausage and spices. Just make certain it’s fully cooked for peak taste.
How Can I Make the Stew Gluten-Free?
Swap regular beef broth for a gluten-free version, ensuring every ingredient like sausage and spices are gluten-free certified. Delight in this hearty stew without gluten worries, letting its robust flavors and comforting warmth take center stage. Enjoy!
What Is the Best Way to Thicken the Stew?
To thicken your stew, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, or mash some of the cooked potatoes. Both methods add a luscious, hearty texture, enhancing the stew’s comforting, robust flavor profile.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of Texas Cowboy Stew?
You can craft a vegetarian version by replacing the beef and sausage with hearty mushrooms or plant-based proteins. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Enhance flavors with smoked paprika and extra vegetables for a delicious twist!
Can I Prepare This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
You can absolutely prepare it in a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully into a hearty, savory stew.
Texas Cowboy Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 clove garlic minced
- 4 cup beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large potato peeled and diced
Instructions
- Heat the large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat and add the smoked sausage slices to the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the pot.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the diced potatoes and mix well.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
