Hey there, friend! I’m excited to share this Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew recipe with you. This stew holds a special place in my heart because it brings back memories of cozy family gatherings. My husband and I love making it on chilly evenings, especially when we want something warm and filling. Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of beef and veggies simmering away to make the house feel so inviting!
The great thing about this stew is how wonderfully hearty it is! Packed with tender beef, colorful veggies, and a rich broth, each spoonful feels like a warm hug. It’s a crowd-pleaser, too—perfect for serving friends or family. They’ll be asking for seconds, trust me! And since it’s so easy to throw together, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company. If you’re in the mood for something similarly comforting, you might also love my classic cornbread recipe to go alongside it! Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew
- Rich and smoky flavor from ground beef and sausage combination
- Loaded with hearty ingredients like beans, potatoes, and corn
- Comforting and filling, perfect for chilly nights
- One-pot recipe for easy cleanup—less time washing dishes!
- Simple to prepare with easily accessible ingredients
- Hearty and satisfying, great for feeding a crowd
- Versatile—customizable with your favorite vegetables or spices
This stew is the ultimate comfort food, capturing the spirit of Texas with its bold flavors and satisfying texture. Plus, it makes excellent leftovers!
How to Make Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew
This hearty Texas Cowboy Stew is a soul-satisfying dish that warms you up from the inside out. Packed with flavor and protein, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or a gathering with friends and family. Plus, it’s easy to make in one pot—less mess means more time to enjoy!
What You’ll Need:
- Ground beef – 1 lb. I like using grass-fed beef for its rich flavor and quality.
- Smoked sausage – 1 lb, sliced. Look for a spicy orouille variety for an extra kick!
- Onion – 1, diced. Yellow onions work best here for sweetness.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic always adds so much depth to dishes!
- Beef broth – 2 cups. I recommend using low-sodium broth, like Swanson’s, so you can control the seasoning.
- Kidney beans and black beans – 1 can (15 oz) each, rinsed and drained. Canned beans make this recipe super convenient!
- Corn – 1 can (15 oz), drained. I love using sweet corn to enhance the flavor.
- Potatoes – 2 medium, peeled and diced. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are my favorites for their creaminess.
- Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz) with juices. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a great smoky flavor!
- Chili powder – 1 tbsp. I like McCormick for its consistent quality.
- Cumin and paprika – 1 tsp each. These spices really bring the stew to life!
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro – for garnish, if you like a pop of color and freshness!
The Directions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining any excess fat if needed.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to brown and release its flavors.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the rinsed kidney beans, black beans, drained corn, diced potatoes, and diced tomatoes (with their juices).
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together nicely.
- 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.
- Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary—you want it to be just right!
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a touch of brightness. Enjoy!
This Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen—it’s comforting, filling, and oh-so-delicious!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Similarly, instead of smoked sausage, try using spicy Italian sausage for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if you’re using a spicier sausage.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, using chicken broth or vegetable broth is a great alternative. This will slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious. Just keep in mind that vegetable broth may be lighter in flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance it.
Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
<pYes, you can! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and sausage and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. You can also include extra beans for protein, and make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the stew for longer storage—just make sure to cool it before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
More Hearty Stew And Soup Recipes!
If you love hearty stews, you’re going to enjoy these tasty recipes. Check them out below:
- Creamy Hearty Chicken Stew
- Ultimate Cheeseburger Soup
- Creamy Potato and Sausage Chowder
- Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Creamy Gravy
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper Quesadillas
Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew
A comforting and flavorful stew packed with ground beef, smoked sausage, and hearty vegetables, perfect for satisfying appetites on a chilly day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sausage is browned.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir in the kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced potatoes, and diced tomatoes.
- Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
Keywords: cowboy stew, hearty stew, ground beef stew, comfort food, one-pot meal
