Texas Cowboy Stew

A Hearty One-Pot Meal Packed with Bold Flavors and Tex-Mex Comfort

If you’re searching for a rustic, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that’s easy to make and full of bold, savory flavor, look no further than Texas Cowboy Stew. This southern-inspired dish combines ground beef, smoky sausage, beans, corn, potatoes, and spicy tomatoes into one satisfying pot of goodness. It’s the kind of dinner that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or crowd — all without breaking the bank.

Whether you call it a hearty cowboy stew, a biscuit-worthy beef and sausage stew, or simply the ultimate one-pot Tex-Mex dinner, this recipe delivers cozy comfort in every bite. Best of all, it uses simple pantry staples and is ready in about 45 minutes, making it an excellent weeknight family meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies)
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 3–4 cups water (or beef broth for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, then drain off any excess fat.

Step 2: Add the Sausage

Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot with the beef and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, just until the sausage begins to brown slightly and release its smoky aroma.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, Rotel, drained pinto beans, corn, and diced potatoes. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in enough water or broth to just cover the ingredients. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover loosely and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well blended.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or tortilla chips.

Why This Recipe Works

This ground beef and sausage stew hits every note — it’s comforting, flavorful, easy to make, and filling enough to satisfy everyone at the table. The blend of tomatoes, sausage, taco seasoning, and hearty vegetables makes each spoonful rich and satisfying.

Pro Tips for the Best Texas Cowboy Stew

1. Use beef broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
2. Swap in black beans or kidney beans for a twist.
3. Add a can of green beans or sweet peas for extra veggies.
4. Leave the skins on your potatoes for more texture.
5. For extra heat, use hot Rotel or a diced jalapeño.
6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a creamy finish.
7. Add a splash of heavy cream for richness.
8. Make it in a slow cooker — brown the meat first, then cook on low for 6–7 hours.
9. Craving more spice? Add chipotle powder or cayenne.
10. Serve with hot sauce on the side for heat-lovers.
11. Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating.
12. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
13. Toss in baby carrots or bell peppers if you have them.
14. Use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
15. Add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving.
16. Sprinkle with green onions or cilantro for garnish.
17. For a smoky twist, add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
18. This stew pairs perfectly with buttery cornbread muffins.
19. Keep it gluten-free by skipping biscuits and choosing GF broth.
20. Make it a full Tex-Mex meal by serving with a side of rice.

Variations

• Cheesy Cowboy Stew: Stir in shredded cheese before serving.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the potatoes and add cauliflower florets.
• Tex-Mex Chili Stew: Add chili powder, cumin, and beans for a chili vibe.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and omit the beef.
• Spicy Cowboy Stew: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• Creamy Cowboy Stew: Stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese.
• Smoky BBQ Twist: Add a dash of BBQ sauce and paprika.
• Southwest Style: Include black beans, corn, lime juice, and cilantro.
• Breakfast Stew: Top with a fried egg and serve in a bowl.
• Ranch-Style Stew: Add a packet of ranch seasoning for a zesty twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make cowboy stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

2. Can I freeze Texas Cowboy Stew?
Absolutely. Let it cool, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

3. What sausage is best?
Smoked sausage or kielbasa works great. Andouille sausage is excellent if you like spice.

4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, this stew reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

5. How do I thicken cowboy stew?
Let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or stir in mashed potatoes or cornstarch slurry.

6. What sides go well with this?
Cornbread, biscuits, or tortilla chips are all perfect sides.

7. Can I use canned potatoes?
You can, but fresh potatoes will hold their texture better.

8. Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat from the Rotel and taco seasoning. Adjust to taste.

9. Can I add rice or pasta?
Yes! Stir in cooked rice or small pasta shapes just before serving.

10. Is this gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free sausage and broth.

11. Can I use ground turkey?
Definitely. It’s a leaner option that still works great.

12. What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
Use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

13. Can I cook this in the oven?
It’s best on the stovetop or slow cooker, but you could bake it covered at 350°F until potatoes are tender.

14. How long does it last in the fridge?
3–4 days in an airtight container.

15. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, just avoid cheese-based add-ins.

16. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, about 2–3 cups of chopped tomatoes will work.

17. What broth works best?
Beef broth adds the most depth, but chicken broth or vegetable broth also work.

18. Should I peel the potatoes?
Totally optional. Leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients.

19. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely. Zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers are all great additions.

20. Is this stew kid-friendly?
Yes! You can reduce or omit the spicy ingredients for picky eaters.