Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew

Get ready to gather your loved ones around a pot of this incredibly comforting and flavorful Texas Cowboy Stew! This one-pot wonder makes busy weeknights feel effortless, delivering a robust meal without all the fuss. Featuring a savory blend of three meats, hearty potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, every spoonful promises rich, layered flavors that satisfy.

Texan cuisine is known for its diverse influences, blending Tejano, Southern, and other cultural traditions. This stew is a true taste of Texas comfort you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Cowboy Stew

• Rich, Layered Flavors: Starting with crisp beef bacon, this stew builds deep, smoky notes from the very first step.
• Hearty, Satisfying Textures: A generous combination of ground beef, smoked sausage, potatoes, and beans ensures a truly filling meal.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Prepare this hearty Texas Cowboy Stew on the stovetop, in your slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot for ultimate flexibility.
• Authentic Texan Spice Blend: Cumin and chili powder create a warm, inviting spice profile that tastes just like the Lone Star State.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s a warm, belly-filling dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a comforting embrace.

Ingredients

Gather these simple yet powerful ingredients to create your memorable Texas Cowboy Stew:

• 6 slices beef bacon
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 14 ounces smoked sausage
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained)
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn (drained)
• 3 cups peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 ½-3 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

Notes & Substitutions

• Adjust the heat level by adding extra diced green chiles or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more spice.
• Offer creamy toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or sliced avocado for contrast and richness.
• Swap the smoked sausage with kielbasa for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Use rich beef broth or stock to achieve maximum flavor depth.
• Add extra vegetables such as diced green beans, carrots, or bell peppers for more nutrients and color.
• Thicken the stew if needed by letting it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to create this incredible Texas Cowboy Stew.

• Large pot or Dutch oven (for stovetop method)
• Instant Pot (optional)
• Slow Cooker (optional)
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board and knife

How To Make Texas Cowboy Stew

Prepare a truly satisfying Texas Cowboy Stew using your preferred method. Each option delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss.

Stovetop Method

1. Dice 6 slices of beef bacon into small pieces. Add the beef bacon to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Stir and cook until the beef bacon is crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked beef bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Carefully drain most of the rendered grease from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
2. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pot. Cook and crumble the beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in 1 cup of diced onion, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and 14 ounces of smoked sausage (sliced or crumbled). Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the sausage is nicely browned, about 5-8 minutes.
4. Lower the heat to medium. Add 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed) to the pot.
5. Next, incorporate 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained), 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn (drained), and 3 cups of peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes.
6. Pour in 2 ½-3 cups of beef broth, depending on your desired consistency. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
7. Season the stew with 2 teaspoons of cumin, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, and salt and ground black pepper to taste. Return the reserved crispy beef bacon to the pot and stir gently.
8. Bring the Texas Cowboy Stew to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The stew is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender, and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Instant Pot Instructions

Crockpot Instructions

1. In a separate skillet, brown the diced beef bacon, ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, and smoked sausage. Cook until the meats are browned and the onion is translucent.
2. Transfer the browned mixture to your slow cooker.
3. Add all remaining ingredients: diced tomatoes (undrained), pinto beans, black beans (both drained and rinsed), diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained), corn (drained), diced potatoes, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
4. Cover and cook your Texas Cowboy Stew on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The stew is ready when the potatoes are tender and the flavors have deepened.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Make the stew a day ahead for the best flavor, allowing the spices and ingredients to meld fully.
• Season gradually and taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper at the end for perfect balance.
• If the stew is too thin, simmer uncovered to let liquid evaporate, or mash a few potatoes to naturally thicken it.
• Ensure potatoes are fully tender before serving to avoid a ruined texture.
• Avoid overcooking the vegetables to preserve their texture and nutritional value.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Texas Cowboy Stew offers many delightful serving options and stores beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Texas Cowboy Stew hot, ideally with warm cornbread for dipping.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
• Offer toppings on the side such as shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or creamy avocado slices for easy customization.

Storage Instructions

• Let the Texas Cowboy Stew cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Variations

• Try different beans such as kidney beans or cannellini beans for variety.
• Add root vegetables like diced carrots or sweet potatoes for extra sweetness and nutrients.
• Enhance the smoky flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Use different types of smoked sausage to slightly change the flavor profile.

Nutrition

Enjoying a serving of this Texas Cowboy Stew provides a substantial and satisfying meal.

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

FAQ

• Can I make Texas Cowboy Stew less spicy?
  Absolutely! Omit the diced tomatoes with green chiles and use plain diced tomatoes instead. You can also skip any additional pepper flakes.
• What kind of potatoes are best for stew?
  Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well and become wonderfully creamy without turning mushy in this Texas Cowboy Stew. Russet potatoes can also work but might break down more.
• Can I use different types of meat?
  Yes, feel free to substitute or add other ground meats like ground turkey or ground chicken. Ensure you brown them thoroughly before combining.
• How can I thicken my stew?
  If your Texas Cowboy Stew is too thin, simply simmer it uncovered for a while. Alternatively, mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  Yes, this Texas Cowboy Stew is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and smoked sausage are certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels.

Conclusion

This Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a warming embrace in a bowl, perfect for any occasion. Its robust flavors and easy preparation make it a standout recipe, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy family dinner. We encourage you to try this flavorful Texas Cowboy Stew, customize it to your liking, and savor every hearty spoonful. Get ready to create memorable moments around your kitchen table with this ultimate comfort food!

Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew

A robust and flavorful stew packed with beef bacon, ground beef, smoked sausage, potatoes, and various beans, simmered to perfection with a blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Plate

Recipe Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 6 slices beef bacon
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 14 ounces smoked sausage
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 15.5-ounce can pinto beans
• 1 15-ounce can black beans
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles
• 1 15-ounce can whole kernel corn
• 3 cups peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 1/2-3 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

Instructions

• Dice the beef bacon, cook until crisp in a large pot or Dutch oven, then remove and drain, leaving most of the grease in the pot.
• Add ground beef to the pot and cook until no pink remains, then stir in diced onion, minced garlic, and smoked sausage; cook until the onion is translucent and sausage is browned.
• Lower the heat and add all canned ingredients, diced potatoes, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, and the reserved beef bacon to the pot, then season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Once bubbling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Serve this hearty stew with a side of cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. This stew is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

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