Texas Cowboy Stew: A Hearty Classic for Every Table

Introduction

Texas Cowboy Stew is the ultimate comfort food—robust, smoky, and loaded with a medley of meats, tender potatoes, and sweet corn. This crowd-pleaser is the answer for busy families, potlucks, or anyone craving a deeply satisfying meal. What makes it special? The combination of ground beef, smoked sausage, and crispy bacon delivers layers of flavor, while the stew’s chunky vegetables round it out for a one-pot wonder that’s as filling as it is flavorful.

What Makes Texas Cowboy Stew Unforgettable?

The hallmark of Texas Cowboy Stew is its versatility and heartiness. Each spoonful bursts with savory, slightly spicy tastes from the sausage, balanced by creamy potatoes and pops of corn. The bacon offers smoky undertones, tying the ingredients together into a cohesive, memorable bite.

Whether you’re seeking easy crockpot solutions, a classic ground beef stew, or a meal that simply delivers, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—swap in your favorite veggies, dial up the spice, or double the batch for leftovers.

Essential Prep for Flavorful Stew

Successful cowboy stew starts with prep—chopping veggies and meats so every bite is satisfying. For best results, use a great vegetable chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to speed up the process and guarantee even cuts, reducing prep time drastically.

As for browning your bacon and ground beef, an even-heating nonstick skillet such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet helps keep meats from sticking and ensures thorough, flavorful browning without burning.

How to Make Texas Cowboy Stew — Step by Step

This stew thrives on building flavor in layers. Begin by crisping bacon, followed by browning sausage and beef. This method brings out maximum depth. Use a sturdy meat and potato masher like the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to break up the beef effortlessly for a better texture.

Once your meats are ready, toss in potatoes, corn, beans, tomatoes, and seasoning. Let it all simmer gently so the flavors meld beautifully. For slow cooker fans, this stew is also perfect for crockpot cooking—set it and forget it!

Serving, Storing, and Enjoying Texas Cowboy Stew

For gatherings, serve this stew with crusty bread or over rice. Its hearty texture holds up well for meal prep, and it tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in reliable containers like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to lock in freshness.

Want to take it on the go? Pack a warm serving in a Bentgo Salad Container for hearty lunches during the work week.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

A single batch of this Texas Cowboy Stew makes 6-8 generous servings. Each portion offers a balanced meal of protein, carbs, and fiber—expect around 400–500 calories per serving, depending on toppings and exact ingredient amounts.

Texas Cowboy Stew: Recipe Recap

Texas Cowboy Stew epitomizes rustic, family-style eating—brimming with smoky meats, rich with vegetables, and perfect for easy weeknight meals or festive gatherings. Its robust flavors and simple, forgiving prep make it a winning choice every time.

Instructions

1. In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
2. Add sliced smoked sausage; cook until browned. Remove and set aside with bacon.
3. Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking up with the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
5. Return bacon and sausage to pot. Stir in potatoes, corn, tomatoes, pinto beans, black beans, and beef broth.
6. Season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30–40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with cilantro, cheese, or jalapeños if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Enjoy the bold, smoky, and filling flavors of Texas Cowboy Stew—an easy, satisfying dish with classic cowboy appeal!