Get ready to lasso in a truly satisfying and incredibly flavorful meal with this Texas Cowboy Stew! This hearty stew is packed with savory ground beef, smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant beans and corn, all simmered in a rich, spiced tomato broth. It’s a robust, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crew, warming up on a chilly evening, or bringing a taste of the open range to your dinner table.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Texas Cowboy Stew is an absolute favorite in my kitchen, especially when I need a hearty meal with minimal fuss. What I love most is how it combines so many robust flavors into one incredibly satisfying pot. The ground beef and smoked sausage create a deeply savory and smoky base, while the diced tomatoes and Rotel add a fantastic zesty, slightly spicy kick. The tender potatoes, pinto beans, and corn make it incredibly filling and wholesome. It’s a true one-pot wonder that delivers maximum comfort and flavor, perfect for gathering around after a long day. Plus, it just gets better as leftovers!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty and flavorful Texas Cowboy Stew:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean recommended)
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or kielbasa recommended)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (15 oz) Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (whole kernel)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef & Smoked Sausage: The combination provides a fantastic depth of flavor. You can use all beef or all sausage if preferred. For the sausage, Andouille adds a spicy, smoky kick, while kielbasa is milder.
- Diced Tomatoes: Undrained diced tomatoes add essential moisture and flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add a smoky depth.
- Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Choose mild, regular, or hot Rotel depending on your preferred spice level. If unavailable, use a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of diced green chilies.
- Pinto Beans: Ensure they are rinsed and drained to remove excess sodium and liquid. Black beans or kidney beans can be used as a substitute.
- Corn: Drained canned corn is convenient. Fresh or frozen corn (thawed) can also be used.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well. Dice them to about 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Taco Seasoning & Chili Powder: These provide the classic Southwestern “cowboy” flavor. Adjust quantities to your taste and desired spice level.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness.
- Cilantro & Jalapeños: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note. Sliced fresh jalapeños provide optional heat. Both are great for garnish.
Directions
Let’s get this hearty Texas Cowboy Stew simmering!
- Brown the Ground Beef and Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven (a heavy-bottomed one is ideal), cook the 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks until it is fully browned. Add the sliced 1 lb of smoked sausage and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned and has released some of its fat. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add the Vegetables and Broth: Add the undrained 15 oz can of diced tomatoes, the undrained 15 oz can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, the rinsed and drained 15 oz can of pinto beans, the drained 15 oz can of corn, and the 4 medium diced potatoes to the pot with the browned meats.
- Stir in the 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, and the 4 cups of beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to low. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and all the flavors are well combined and have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Ladle the hot Texas Cowboy Stew into bowls. Garnish generously with chopped cilantro and sliced fresh jalapeños, if desired, for extra freshness and heat. Serve with warm crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
- Drain Excess Fat: Draining the fat from the browned meats prevents the stew from being overly greasy.
- Dice Potatoes Evenly: Cutting the potatoes into similar-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly.
- Adjust Spice Level: Taco seasoning and chili powder vary in heat. Adjust the amounts and the type of Rotel to your preference. The optional fresh jalapeños add customizable heat.
- Simmer for Flavor: The simmering time allows the potatoes to become tender and all the robust flavors to develop and meld.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the stew before serving. Broths and canned goods can be salty, so adjust salt and pepper at the end.
- Serve with Bread: Crusty bread or cornbread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Texas Cowboy Stew is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread (like our Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers) is a classic pairing.
- Warm Crusty Bread: For dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy, cooling element.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese before serving.
- For other hearty, Southwestern-inspired meals, consider our Cowboy Spaghetti for a unique pasta twist.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This Texas Cowboy Stew makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The stew will thicken.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to thin the stew if it has become too thick.
- Freezing: This stew freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the hearty, flavorful, and comforting nature of this Texas Cowboy Stew, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another incredibly flavorful skillet meal packed with Southern charm, try This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- If you’re a fan of rich, savory comfort in a bowl, our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- And for a complete one-pan chicken and sausage meal with rice, don’t miss our One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice Recipe!
- Finally, for a hearty and satisfying chicken and rice casserole, our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a winner.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Cowboy Stew recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing true comfort, incredible flavor, and a genuine taste of hearty Southwestern cuisine to your table. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family, a casual gathering, or simply for enjoying a cozy meal that’s packed with deliciousness.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite hearty stew to make at home? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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