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Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 58 reviews

Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining lean ground beef, smoky kielbasa, a medley of vegetables, and robust seasonings. This comforting stew is perfect for a satisfying dinner and is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a great choice for a wholesome family meal.

Ingredients

Meat and Sausage

  • 2 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 packages kielbasa sausage, sliced

Vegetables

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can whole kernel corn, drained (or use frozen corn)
  • 1 package frozen mixed vegetables

Canned Ingredients

  • 2 cans peeled and diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 oz each)
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes with green chile pepper, with liquid (14.5 oz each)
  • 2 cans pinto beans, with liquid (15 oz each)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Any additional seasonings you like

Liquids

  • 4 cups water (adjust based on desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves. Slice the kielbasa sausage into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the stew lean.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  4. Add Kielbasa and Vegetables: Stir in the sliced kielbasa sausage, diced potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, and drained corn. Mix all ingredients evenly to combine flavors.
  5. Add Canned Ingredients and Spices: Pour in the drained peeled and diced tomatoes and the diced tomatoes with green chile pepper, including the liquid from the latter for added heat. Add the pinto beans with their liquid to maintain stew consistency. Season with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings if preferred.
  6. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in 4 cups of water and stir everything together. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow it to simmer gently for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
  7. Adjust Seasonings and Consistency: Taste the stew and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. If the stew appears too thick, add a little more water to reach your preferred consistency.
  8. Serve: Once done, ladle the Texas Cowboy Stew into bowls and serve hot. This stew pairs well with fresh bread or cornbread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Lean ground beef reduces the fat content and makes the stew healthier.
  • Any smoked sausage can be substituted for kielbasa based on availability or preference.
  • Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired stew thickness.
  • Feel free to add extra spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for more heat.
  • If fresh corn is in season, it can be used instead of canned or frozen.
  • This stew freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.