When you’ve got a house full of hungry teens, friends, or family watching the big game, this Texas Cowboy Stew is the perfect recipe to feed the crowd. It’s a no-fuss, hearty meal loaded with flavor and packed with a variety of ingredients that’ll satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This stew is easy to make, and you can whip it up with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or freezer. Plus, it’s versatile! You can adjust the heat with a pinch of chili powder or add some extra cheese to make it even more decadent. You’ll love how simple it is to make, and how everyone will go back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 2 lb ground beef
- 2 packages kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½ inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans 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 chilies, 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
How to Make Texas Cowboy Stew:
- Sauté the Onion and Ground Beef: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add Sausage: Stir in the sliced kielbasa sausage, cooking for a few more minutes until the sausage begins to brown.
- Combine the Veggies and Liquids: Add the diced tomatoes, pinto beans (with liquid), corn, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes with chilies, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat everything in spices. Pour in 4 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Optional Tips for Extra Flavor:
- Spice it up: If you like extra heat, consider adding a handful of chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Cheese topping: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheese over the stew and broil until it melts and bubbles. This makes for a perfect, gooey topping that’s sure to impress.
- Consistency adjustment: If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the amount of water or let it simmer longer to achieve your desired consistency.
What to Serve with Cowboy Stew:
For the perfect meal, serve this cowboy stew alongside a simple mixed greens salad, some colossal sourdough bread, or a bowl of cornbread. The richness of the stew pairs perfectly with something light to balance the flavors.
Pro Tips:
- Drain excess fat: After cooking the beef and sausage, drain any excess fat to prevent the stew from becoming greasy.
- Make ahead: This stew is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate. Reheat before serving for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 676.7
- Carbohydrates: 52.2g
- Protein: 35.3g
- Fat: 37.1g
- Saturated Fat: 12.9g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 1620.2mg
- Potassium: 1318.8mg
- Fiber: 8.9g
- Sugar: 7.4g
- Vitamin A: 2474.2 IU
- Vitamin C: 30.8mg
- Calcium: 116.8mg
- Iron: 7mg
Final Thoughts:
Texas Cowboy Stew is a comforting, hearty meal that feeds a crowd without a lot of effort. Perfect for those busy days when you need something filling and flavorful that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding your family, friends, or a group of hungry teens, this dish is sure to satisfy!