Irresistible Texas Cowboy Stew : The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Dinner

Texas Cowboy Stew is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—rich, savory, and absolutely packed with hearty ingredients. Imagine tender ground beef, smoky sausage, potatoes, beans, corn, and tomatoes all simmered together in a bold, seasoned broth. It’s one of those ground beef stew recipes that can feed a crowd, freeze beautifully, and taste even better the next day.

This stew is perfect for chilly nights, camping trips, or any time you need a filling dinner that doesn’t require complicated prep. Whether you make it on the stovetop or turn it into one of your favorite stew recipes crockpot style, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

If you love hearty one-pot meals, you might also enjoy my Ground Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet for another easy dinner idea.

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What Makes Texas Cowboy Stew Different from Other Ground Beef Stew Recipes

While most beef stew recipes use large chunks of beef, Texas Cowboy Stew keeps it simple with ground beef, making it cook faster without sacrificing flavor. The addition of smoked sausage gives a rich, smoky depth, and canned vegetables like corn and beans make it incredibly convenient.

This dish also has a Tex-Mex influence that sets it apart—think chili-style seasonings, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a kick of spice. It’s a cross between a stew, a chili, and a cowboy’s campfire supper.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Beef Stew Recipe

Meat

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

Vegetables & Beans

• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 medium onion, diced

Tomatoes & Broth

• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 4 cups beef broth

Seasonings

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Choosing the Best Ground Beef for Stew

For this recipe, 85% lean ground beef strikes the perfect balance between flavor and reduced grease. If you prefer something lighter, ground turkey or chicken works well—just increase the seasonings slightly.

You can also swap the smoked sausage for kielbasa, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter option.

Optional Add-Ins for More Flavor and Texture

• Diced bell peppers for sweetness and color
• Jalapeños for spice
• A handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrition
• Sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a twist

For another vegetable-rich comfort dish, try my Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Texas Cowboy Stew

Step 1 – Brown the meat:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.

Step 2 – Cook the sausage:
In the same pot, add the sliced smoked sausage and brown slightly for extra flavor.

Step 3 – Add vegetables:
Add diced onions and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until onions are soft.

Step 4 – Add beans, corn, and tomatoes:
Stir in the pinto beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomatoes with green chilies.

Step 5 – Add broth and seasonings:
Pour in beef broth, then stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Step 6 – Simmer:
Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30–40 minutes, until potatoes are tender and flavors are well combined.

Step 7 – Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

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How to Make Texas Cowboy Stew in the Crockpot

1. Brown the ground beef and sausage in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
2. Add all remaining ingredients to the crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Adjust seasonings before serving.

This method is perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready as soon as you walk in the door.

Easy Stove-Top Version for Busy Weeknights

If you’re short on time, cut the potatoes into smaller cubes so they cook faster. Use pre-cooked sausage and canned vegetables to have the stew ready in under an hour.

Slow Cooker Tips for Perfect Stew Recipes Crockpot Lovers Will Enjoy

• Browning the meat first deepens the flavor.
• Layer potatoes at the bottom so they cook evenly.
• Stir halfway through to keep flavors balanced.

For another slow-cooked favorite, check out my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.

Recetas Mexicanas Twist – Adding a Southwestern Kick

To give this dish a more authentic Mexican-inspired profile, add:

• 1 tsp ground coriander
• A handful of fresh cilantro before serving
• A squeeze of lime juice for brightness

You can even serve it with warm corn tortillas on the side.

How to Thicken Your Stew Without Losing Flavor

If you prefer a thicker stew, try mashing some of the potatoes directly in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Beef Recipes Easy – Time-Saving Prep Tips

• Use frozen diced potatoes to skip peeling and chopping.
• Pre-cook ground beef in bulk and freeze in portions for quick weeknight meals.
• Keep cans of beans, corn, and tomatoes stocked in your pantry for last-minute stew nights.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

• Freshly baked cornbread
• Garlic Herb Jalapeño Cheddar Bread
• A crisp green salad for a lighter side
• Steamed rice to stretch the meal further

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ground Beef Stews

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave.
Freeze: Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

Freezer-Friendly Tips for Make-Ahead Cowboy Stew

This stew freezes beautifully. Portion into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-heat lunches. If using potatoes, undercook them slightly before freezing so they don’t break down when reheated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cowboy Stew

• Using too much liquid—remember vegetables release moisture as they cook.
• Skipping the browning step—this is where deep flavor develops.
• Overcooking the potatoes—they should be tender but still hold their shape.

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FAQs About Texas Cowboy Stew

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based ground meat and sausage, plus vegetable broth.

Can I add pasta?
Small pasta shapes can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking, but you may need extra broth.

Is it spicy?
The green chilies add mild heat, but you can adjust by adding more or less chili powder.

Final Thoughts – Why This Dish Belongs in Your Easy Soup Recipes Collection

Texas Cowboy Stew is a satisfying, budget-friendly dinner that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer. With its rich flavors, simple prep, and versatility, it deserves a permanent spot in your stew recipes crockpot and stovetop rotation.

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