Texas Cowboy Stew

Must Try

Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender chunks of beef, potatoes, beans, and a rich tomato base bursting with bold spices. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you want something filling and satisfying without a lot of fuss.

I love making this stew when friends come over because it’s so easy to throw together and feeds a crowd with no complaints. Plus, the flavors only get better the longer it simmers, so it’s great for making ahead. I usually toss in a little extra chili powder and cumin to give it that authentic Texas kick that everyone enjoys.

My favorite way to serve this cowboy stew is with a side of warm cornbread or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juice. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up after a long day and brings everyone around the table for good conversation and full bellies. Whenever I make it, it reminds me of cozy evenings spent sharing stories and laughs, making it a stew worth coming back to again and again.

Texas Cowboy Stew

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground beef: This is the heart of the stew, adding rich flavor and protein. If you prefer leaner options, try ground turkey or chicken. For a veggie twist, use plant-based crumbles.

Potatoes: They add bulk and soak up the stew’s flavors. Yukon Golds work well for their creamy texture, but russets or red potatoes are good here too.

Beans: Kidney beans bring protein and a creamy texture. You can swap them with pinto or black beans if you like.

Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne define the stew’s bold taste. Adjust cayenne to control heat or leave it out for a milder dish.

Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, and corn give color and sweetness. Feel free to swap fresh for frozen veggies depending on season or convenience.

How Can I Make Sure the Stew Has Deep, Balanced Flavors?

Building flavor in a stew is all about layering and timing.

  • Start by sautéing onions and garlic gently to bring out their sweetness.
  • Brown the ground beef well; this adds a rich, meaty base.
  • Toast the spices for 1-2 minutes after adding the meat. This releases their aroma and boosts flavor.
  • Simmer the stew low and slow—this helps the potatoes and vegetables become tender and lets flavors mix well.
  • Finally, taste the stew before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Don’t rush this step!

Taking these steps means your Texas Cowboy Stew will have a satisfying, hearty flavor that feels just right.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven – perfect for even cooking and simmering the stew slowly.
  • Wooden spoon – great for stirring without scratching your pot.
  • Sharp chef’s knife – helps you chop potatoes, onions, and other veggies quickly and safely.
  • Cutting board – provides a sturdy surface for prepping your ingredients.
  • Can opener – to easily open your canned tomatoes and beans.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

  • Try swapping ground beef with diced chuck roast or stew meat for chunkier texture and richer flavor.
  • Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like extra heat in your stew.
  • Mix in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies and color.
  • Stir in cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top when serving to add creaminess and a tasty finish.

How to Make Texas Cowboy Stew

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Oil:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Time Needed:

This stew takes about 15 minutes to prep, about 10 minutes to brown the meat and sauté veggies, then roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour simmering time. So, plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours total from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soft. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it out.

3. Add the Spices:

Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, along with salt and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and boost their flavor.

4. Combine Vegetables and Broth:

Add diced potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, kidney beans, and the beef broth. Stir everything well to combine.

5. Simmer the Stew:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded together.

6. Final Taste and Serve:

Give the stew a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions. It’s wonderful with cornbread or crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Texas Cowboy Stew

Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in Texas Cowboy Stew?

Yes! Frozen corn and green beans work perfectly. Just add them a little later in the cooking process if you want to avoid overcooking—about 15 minutes before the stew is done.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until veggies are tender.

What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even diced stew beef cubes. Adjust cooking time slightly if you use tougher cuts to ensure tenderness.

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