Got a house full of hungry friends or family? Whether it’s your son’s football buddies staying for dinner, your daughter’s friends hanging out, or your husband’s coworkers watching the game, this Texas Cowboy Stew is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s a no-fuss, big, satisfying meal that’s loaded with bold flavors and hearty ingredients — perfect for feeding even the hungriest appetites.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Stew
This stew has it all: ground beef, smoky sausage, fresh veggies, and a spicy, mouth-watering sauce that comes together quickly with pantry staples and frozen ingredients. Best of all, it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and comfort.
How to Make Texas Cowboy Stew from Scratch
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned with no pink remaining.
- Add the sausage: Stir in sliced kielbasa sausage and cook for a few minutes.
- Combine the veggies: Pour in diced tomatoes, pinto beans (with liquid), corn, diced baking potatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a package of frozen mixed vegetables.
- Season and simmer: Mix everything well, then add ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cook low and slow: Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about one hour to let all the flavors meld beautifully.
Tips to Boost Flavor
Spices are the heart of this stew. Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of paprika, extra cumin, or more chili powder if you want a bolder kick. For heat lovers, toss in some chopped jalapeños.
For a cheesy twist, top the stew with shredded cheese and broil it in the oven until bubbly and golden.
What to Serve with Cowboy Stew
Balance out the hearty stew with something fresh like a crisp mixed green salad or tangy coleslaw. Don’t forget a thick slice of sourdough bread to soak up every last bite of that delicious sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cowboy Stew
- After cooking the meat and sausage, drain off excess fat for a cleaner finish.
- Adjust the water amount if you prefer a thicker stew — use one cup less and simmer longer.
- Baking the stew with cheese on top adds an irresistible layer of richness.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 packages kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans peeled and diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, with liquid
- 1 (15.2 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chili peppers, with liquid
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups water
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté onion until soft. Add ground beef and cook until no pink remains.
- Stir in sliced sausage and cook for a few minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, pinto beans, corn, potatoes, diced tomatoes with chiles, and frozen mixed vegetables.
- Mix well and add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
This Texas Cowboy Stew is a straightforward, satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.