Texas Cowboy Stew: A Hearty, Homestyle Dish for Every Season
There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of stew, especially when it’s filled with hearty ingredients that remind you of simpler times. Texas Cowboy Stew is a dish that brings together the rich flavors of the Lone Star State, offering warmth and sustenance in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this one-pot wonder is packed with protein, veggies, and that irresistible smokiness we all crave in a cozy meal.
Imagine the sizzle of bacon, the aroma of onions and garlic, and the earthy richness of seasoned meat mingling together, creating a symphony of flavors that bring everyone to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is approachable and forgiving, allowing simplicity to reign in the tantalizing creation. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this Texas Cowboy Stew recipe that’s sure to warm your heart and soul!
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty cowboy stew:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 small Yukon potatoes, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces corn (rinsed & drained)
- 15 ounces pinto beans (rinsed & drained)
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilis (rinsed & drained)
- 32 ounces beef broth (or substitute with water)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or substitute with a small can of tomato paste)
- 10 ounces mixed vegetables (frozen)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment
Beyond the delicious ingredients, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- A large pot or Dutch oven to hold all the ingredients and ensure even cooking.
- A chopping board and sharp knife for prepping vegetables and meats.
- A stirring spoon, preferably wooden, to gently mix your ingredients.
- A measuring cup and spoons for accuracy.
- Optional: blender for pureeing if you prefer a smoother texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get right to it! Follow these steps for a mean Texas Cowboy Stew that will impress everyone around the dinner table.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before we dive into cooking, take a few moments to prepare all your ingredients. This will make the cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. Chop the bacon, dice the onion and potatoes, and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain your beans and corn.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In your large pot, heat it over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and let it cook until it’s crispy and golden brown. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the flavorful bacon fat in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté the Sausage
Next, add the sliced smoked sausage to the rendered fat. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, just enough to brown a few pieces, then remove from the pot and set aside with the bacon.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same pot, add the lean ground beef, seasoning it generously with salt and black pepper. Cook the beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with your spoon. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside as well.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
Now, we’ll bring some flavor to the pot. Add in the diced onion and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilis. Season again with a little salt and black pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Once the onions are ready, add in the minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Incorporate the Flour
Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the veggies. This will help thicken your stew later. Cook the flour for at least 30 seconds to eliminate that raw taste.
Step 7: Add Back the Meat
Now, lower the heat a bit, and add back the sausage and ground beef. Mix well.
Step 8: Add the Veggies and Liquid
It’s time to round out the stew! Stir in the corn, pinto beans, frozen mixed vegetables, and diced potatoes. Pour in the beef broth, stir everything together until well combined.
Step 9: Season it Up
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and the apple cider vinegar for depth of flavor. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer.
Step 10: Stew it Down
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about an hour. This gives all those beautiful flavors time to marry. Stir occasionally and you can also taste for seasoning.
Step 11: Finishing Touches
Before serving, ensure you taste your stew for additional salt and black pepper. Lastly, add in the crispy bacon you cooked earlier right before you serve for a delightful crunch!
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the Texas Cowboy Stew into bowls and enjoy it hot with your favorite bread or crackers.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with your choice of hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little heat.
- Extra Heartiness: Feel free to add more beans or switch them out for black beans or kidney beans—whatever you have on hand!
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
This Texas Cowboy Stew is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to best store it:
Leftovers: Store your leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: If you want to make a batch ahead of time, it freezes wonderfully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add a splash more broth if it appears too thick.
How to Use / Serve This Dish
Texas Cowboy Stew makes for a satisfying one-dish meal, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Cornbread: Bake a loaf of cornbread for a true Southern experience. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory stew perfectly.
- Fresh Salad: A side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can freshen up the meal.
- Biscuit Toppers: If you want a fun twist, top your stew with freshly baked biscuits for an unexpected, delicious surprise!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or even leftover roast beef—whatever you have on hand.
What can I substitute for pinto beans?
Black beans or kidney beans work perfectly as substitutes. Just make sure they’re rinsed and drained if they’re canned.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days to enjoy later.
Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning your meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for a rich, slow-cooked flavor.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, water works just fine! Just be sure to season well with salt and spices for flavor.
Final Thoughts / Encouragement
There’s a reason cherished recipes like Texas Cowboy Stew have stood the test of time—they resonate with the heart and soul. Whether you’re gathered around the dinner table with family or sharing meals with friends, this stew provides both comfort and flavor to every occasion.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves and embrace the delightful experience of creating this dish from scratch. Share this recipe with your loved ones and see how it brings joy to your home just like it has to many others. Happy cooking!
Texas Cowboy Stew
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 4 small Yukon potatoes, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces mixed vegetables, frozen
Canned Goods
- 15 ounces corn, rinsed & drained
- 15 ounces pinto beans, rinsed & drained
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilis, rinsed & drained
- 32 ounces beef broth or substitute with water
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or substitute with a small can of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare all your ingredients by chopping the bacon, dicing the onion and potatoes, and mincing the garlic. Rinse and drain your beans and corn.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat over medium-high heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage to the rendered fat and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until browned, then set aside with the bacon.
- Add the lean ground beef to the pot, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper. Cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
- Add diced onion and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilis to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 30 seconds to eliminate the raw taste.
- Add back the sausage and ground beef, mixing well.
- Stir in the corn, pinto beans, frozen mixed vegetables, and diced potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and mix everything together.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally and tasting for seasoning.
- Before serving, adjust seasoning and add crispy bacon just before serving.
Serving
- Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy hot with your favorite bread or crackers.
