🥣 Why You’ll Love This Texas Cowboy Stew
This Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, smoky, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for cold evenings or large gatherings, this one-pot wonder combines ground beef, smoky sausage, beans, and potatoes into a soul-warming meal the whole family will love.
✅ Bold Texas-style flavor
✅ One-pot recipe = easy cleanup
✅ Customizable and freezer-friendly
✅ Perfect balance of protein, fiber, and carbs
✅ Great for meal prep and leftovers
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this rustic stew to life:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably grass-fed)
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or spicy sausage recommended)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juice
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat. - Cook the Sausage:
Add sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to brown and release its oils. - Sauté Onion & Garlic:
Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. - Add Remaining Ingredients:
Stir in beef broth, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and potatoes. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Simmer:
Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 30–40 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. - Taste & Serve:
Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley or cilantro.
🌿 Optional Variations
🔄 Want to switch it up? Try these options:
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra beans, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead.
- Lighter version: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Extra heat: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until fully heated through.
🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Stew
- Don’t skip the fire-roasted tomatoes—they add a deep, smoky flavor.
- Let it simmer uncovered for the last 5–10 minutes if you want a thicker texture.
- Great with cornbread, cheddar biscuits, or buttery garlic toast on the side.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm, flavorful hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, this stew delivers big on taste, simplicity, and satisfaction. Serve it up with a side of cornbread, and watch it disappear fast!
