Texas Cowboy Stew

Hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, Texas Cowboy Stew is a perfect dish for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a satisfying meal on a chilly day. This stew combines ground beef, sausage, beans, potatoes, and corn in a rich, tomato-based broth with a kick of spice. It’s easy to make and packed with robust flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into this delicious, one-pot meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound smoked turkey sausage , sliced into rounds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeño slices (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Brown the Meat:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown.
   • Drain any excess fat from the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables and Beans:
   • Stir in the diced potatoes, pinto beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
   • Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Simmer the Stew:
   • Pour in the beef broth, stirring well to mix everything together.
   • Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
   • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Serve:
   • Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
   • Serve hot, with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeño slices for extra flavor.

How to Prepare

Texas Cowboy Stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining meat, beans, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. The combination of ground beef and sausage provides a hearty base, while the spices add a subtle kick of heat. This stew is perfect for a crowd or meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day. Serve it with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious broth.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Servings

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

FAQs

1. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
   • Yes, brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
   • Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions to this stew.
3. How can I make this stew spicier?
   • Increase the amount of chili powder, add cayenne pepper, or use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies for more heat.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • Yes, this stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
5. What can I serve with Texas Cowboy Stew?
   • Cornbread, tortillas, or a simple green salad make excellent sides for this hearty stew.