Texas Cowboy Stew

There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting meal to gather around the table. This Texas Cowboy Stew is the ultimate one-pot wonder, bringing incredible flavor and warmth to your kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with savory ingredients, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Cowboy Stew

This easy Texas Cowboy Stew recipe is designed to make your life simpler and your meals more delicious. Busy schedules often mean sacrificing homemade meals, but not anymore!

• One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and making dinner a breeze.
• Rich, Savory Flavor Profile: A delicious blend of ground beef, kielbasa, and robust spices creates an unforgettable taste.
• Satisfying, Complete Meal: It’s loaded with protein, vegetables, and potatoes, offering a full and balanced dish in every bowl.
• Quick to Prepare: You can have this comforting stew ready on the table in just over an hour.
• Perfect for Family Dinners: This recipe yields generous portions, making it ideal for feeding your entire family or entertaining friends.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients for this comforting Texas Cowboy Stew is simple! You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store. Using canned goods and frozen vegetables helps keep this recipe quick and accessible for any busy home cook.

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90-93% lean)
• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1- 15 oz can pinto beans, undrained
• 1- 15.2 oz whole kernel corn, undrained
• 1- 15.5 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 2 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon gold suggested)
• 1- 5 oz package frozen mixed veggies (peas and carrots suggested)
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of the ingredients to suit your taste and what you have on hand.

• Ground Beef Alternatives: Feel free to swap lean ground beef for ground chicken or ground turkey for a lighter version of this robust stew.
• Kielbasa Flavor Options: Choose between a mild or spicier kielbasa to adjust the heat level to your preference.
• Bean Variations: Experiment with other canned beans like kidney beans or black beans if pinto beans aren’t available. Just remember to drain and rinse them.
• Potato Types: Yukon gold potatoes are excellent for their creamy texture, but Russet potatoes or red potatoes also work well.
• Broth Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker broth, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the liquids, or mash a few cooked potato pieces at the end.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to create this flavorful Texas Cowboy Stew. These items are probably already in your kitchen!

• Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 6-quart)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

How To Make Texas Cowboy Stew

Making this delicious Texas Cowboy Stew is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting meal every time.

1. Brown the Beef
   In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
   Tip: Proper browning enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction.
2. Add the Kielbasa
   Stir the sliced kielbasa into the pot with the beef, onion, and garlic. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown and release its flavor.
3. Add the Liquids
   Pour in the water and drained diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
4. Add Beans, Potatoes, and Corn
   Add the undrained pinto beans, diced potatoes, undrained whole kernel corn, and undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Season the Stew
   Sprinkle in the ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, chili powder, and red chili flakes. Stir until all the spices are fully incorporated.
6. Simmer
   Bring the stew to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.
7. Add Mixed Vegetables
   Uncover the pot and stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Continue simmering for 10–15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
8. Final Seasoning & Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting homemade Texas Cowboy Stew!
   

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These tips help ensure your Texas Cowboy Stew turns out perfectly every time. A few simple adjustments can make a big difference.

• Achieving Desired Broth Consistency: If the broth is too thin, simmer uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes. For a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot.
• Adjusting Spice Level: Start with ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes. For more heat, add another ¼ to ½ teaspoon, tasting as you go. For less spice, omit them entirely.
• Ensuring Even Potato Cooking: Cut potatoes into roughly ½-inch cubes so they cook through at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from being too hard or too mushy.
• Proper Browning for Flavor: Don’t rush browning the ground beef and kielbasa. This step develops deep, savory flavors essential for a rich Texas Cowboy Stew.

• Meal Prep Suggestions: Cook a double batch and freeze portions for easy weeknight meals. This stew reheats beautifully.

  For food safety, the USDA recommends that ground meat, including ground beef, be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Texas Cowboy Stew is delicious on its own, but these ideas can elevate your meal. Plus, proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers later.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread: A warm baguette or cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful broth.
• Top with shredded cheddar: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese adds a delightful creamy tang to each bowl of this cowboy stew.
• Add fresh garnishes: Sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can provide a cool contrast.
• Pair with a fresh salad: A simple green salad or a crisp Caesar salad makes a lovely light accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly: Transfer cooled Texas Cowboy Stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• How to freeze stew portions: For longer storage, freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating methods: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

Variations

• Add different vegetables: Incorporate other hardy vegetables like diced bell peppers, celery, or green beans for added nutrition and texture.
• Use different types of sausage: Swap kielbasa for another smoked sausage like chorizo or a mild Italian sausage (ensure it’s compliant with the brand’s banned list).
• Make it spicier: For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or an extra pinch of red chili flakes at the end.
• Slow cooker method instructions: Brown the ground beef, onion, garlic, and kielbasa first. Then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until potatoes are tender.

Nutrition

Enjoy this hearty and satisfying Texas Cowboy Stew as part of a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 8 servings).

FAQ

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making this comforting Texas Cowboy Stew.

Conclusion

This Texas Cowboy Stew is truly a recipe that combines ease with incredible flavor, making it a perfect addition to your family’s meal rotation. It’s comforting, hearty, and comes together with minimal fuss, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. We hope you feel confident diving into this recipe and creating a memorable meal. Give this simple cowboy stew a try soon; we know you’ll love it! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!

Texas Cowboy Stew

This robust Texas Cowboy Stew features lean ground beef, savory kielbasa, and a medley of vegetables and beans simmered in a rich, spiced tomato base, perfect for a comforting family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• large pot

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90-93% lean)
• 1 lb kielbasa sliced
• 0.5 onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes drained
• 15 oz pinto beans undrained
• 15.2 oz whole kernel corn undrained
• 15.5 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles undrained
• 2 cups potatoes diced
• 5 oz frozen mixed veggies package
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
• to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

 

Cooking Steps

• In a large pot, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, add the sliced kielbasa.
• Pour in the water and drained diced tomatoes, then add the undrained pinto beans, diced potatoes, undrained whole kernel corn, frozen mixed veggies, and undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles.
• Sprinkle all the spices (ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, chili powder, red chili flakes) on top, stir everything together, and simmer for one hour. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch more red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Serve this hearty stew with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSodium: 950mgFiber: 10gSugar: 8g

Keyword comfort food dinner, Cowboy Stew Recipe, Dutch Oven Stew, hearty beef stew, One Pot Cowboy Stew, Texas Cowboy Stew

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