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image of fresh ground beef smoked sausage diced tomatoes with green chiles Yukon Gold potatoes pinto beans corn beef broth onion garlic green bell pepper chili powder cumin paprika
C. Motter Cindy

Texas Cowboy Stew

A hearty, one-pot stew featuring ground beef, smoky sausage, and bacon in a rich tomato broth with potatoes, beans, and corn, bringing comforting Tex-Mex flavors to your table.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Meat Base
  • 1 lb 1 thick-cut, sliced into half-inch pieces
  • 1 lb Lean ground beef 86/15 ratio
  • 1 lb Smoked sausage or kielbasa sliced into half-inch thick rounds
Aromatics
  • 1 Large yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic cloves minced
Vegetables & Foundation
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) Diced tomatoes undrained, or diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 4 cups Beef broth low-sodium preferred
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Beans & Corn
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Pinto beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) Sweet corn or 1 cup frozen corn
Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes adjust for heat preference
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Oil
  • Olive oil a splash, only if needed after rendering bacon

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon,
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cut the bacon into half-inch pieces. Place in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot (add a splash of olive oil if needed).
  2. Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add smoked sausage slices and cook for 3-5 minutes until edges caramelize. Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
  3. Add diced onion to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Add Worcestershire sauce. Stir in cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Stir in rinsed pinto beans and corn. Simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken broth slightly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Stir in reserved crispy bacon just before serving. Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or Cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20g

Notes

For slow cooker variation: Brown meats and aromatics in a skillet, transfer to slow cooker with broth, tomatoes, and potatoes. Cook on Low 6-8 hours or High 3-4 hours, adding beans and corn in the last 30 minutes. Stores well in fridge for 3-4 days or freezer for 3 months; taste improves overnight.
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