Texas Cowboy Stew is a rustic, hearty dish that embodies the spirit of the American Southwest. With roots in traditional cowboy cooking, this stew is a celebration of robust flavors and simple ingredients that come together to create a meal that's both satisfying and full of character. Cowboys on the open range would often prepare a stew using whatever ingredients they had on hand, and this Texas Cowboy Stew pays homage to that tradition with a mix of ground beef, smoked sausage, vegetables, and bold spices.

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The beauty of this stew lies in its versatility. The combination of smoky sausage, tender ground beef, and a medley of vegetables makes it a comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. The addition of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives the stew a warm, earthy flavor, while the tomatoes and green chilies add a bit of tangy heat. This one-pot meal is not only easy to prepare but also a delight to eat, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner.

The inclusion of beans and potatoes makes this stew extra hearty, providing both protein and starch to keep you full and satisfied. The beef broth ties everything together, creating a rich, flavorful base that’s perfect for soaking up with a piece of crusty bread. Whether you're enjoying it around a campfire or at your kitchen table, this Texas Cowboy Stew is sure to bring a taste of the wild frontier to your meal.

Serving Suggestions:

- Serve this Texas Cowboy Stew with a side of cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

- For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.

- Pair it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the stew.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• • - Calories: 380
  • - Total Fat: 16g
  • - Saturated Fat: 6g
  • - Cholesterol: 65mg
  • - Sodium: 900mg
  • - Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • - Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • - Sugars: 6g
  • - Protein: 22g

Storage Information:

- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

- This stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

- Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.

Cowboy Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• - 12 ounces beef smoked sausage (such as Hilshire Farms), sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
• - 1 pound lean ground beef
• - 1½ cups diced yellow onion
• - 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• - 3 cups diced russet potatoes (about 1-inch pieces, from 2 large peeled potatoes)
• - 2½ cups beef broth
• - 1½ cups frozen sweet yellow corn
• - 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots medley
• - 2 (15.5-ounce) cans pinto beans with liquids
• - 14.5-ounce can stewed tomatoes
• - 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
• - 2½ tablespoons chili powder
• - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - ½ teaspoon black pepper
• - Optional: 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sliced smoked sausage over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

2. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.

3. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, browned sausage, and all the seasonings (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper) to the pot. Stir to combine.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender.

6. Stir in the frozen corn, peas and carrots, pinto beans (with their liquids), stewed tomatoes, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies.

7. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.

8. If using, add the bay leaf and a splash of hot sauce for extra depth and heat. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.

This Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the spirit of the Southwest to your table. With its combination of smoky sausage, tender beef, and vibrant vegetables, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this one-pot meal, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself.