Cowboy Stew with Ground Beef
Hola! When a Florida girl falls for the bold, rustic flavors of the American Southwest, recipes like this Texas Cowboy Stew are born. It’s big, hearty, and packed with everything that makes comfort food magical: juicy ground beef, smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and bold Tex-Mex spices.
I still remember the first time I made this for my nephews after a long day outside; within minutes, the pot was nearly empty, and the kitchen smelled like a campfire feast.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving something that warms the soul, this easy ground beef stew delivers every time.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American, Tex-Mex |
| Best Season | Fall and Winter |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks together in one Dutch oven, making cleanup a breeze.
- Feeds a crowd: This big-batch stew easily satisfies families or gatherings of hungry teens.
- Flavor explosion: With smoky sausage, tender beef, and Tex-Mex spices, every bite is rich and satisfying.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors mingle overnight.
Texas Cowboy Stew
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty, flavor-packed one-pot meal with ground beef, kielbasa sausage, potatoes, beans, and vegetables simmered in a rich, seasoned broth. A true family favorite that’s easy to make and satisfying enough for even the hungriest cowboys!
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 2 packages kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans peeled and diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, with liquid
- 1 (15.2 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, with liquid
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups water
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté onion until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add ground beef and minced garlic, cooking until there’s no pink left. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add sliced kielbasa sausage and let it brown slightly for flavor.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, pinto beans, corn, potatoes, tomatoes with chiles, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir well to combine.
5. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then add 4 cups of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes, until potatoes are tender and stew thickens.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with cornbread or biscuits.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes.
Add diced jalapeños for heat or a dash of Worcestershire for depth.
Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
This stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmered One-Pot
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 676.7 kcal
- Sugar: 7.4 g
- Sodium: 1620.2 mg
- Fat: 37.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 12.9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52.2 g
- Fiber: 8.9 g
- Protein: 35.3 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 2 packages kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans peeled and diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, with liquid
- 1 (15.2 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, with liquid
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cups water
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | Use 80/20 for juicy flavor or lean for a lighter version. |
| Kielbasa sausage | Smoked sausage adds a rich, savory layer to the stew. |
| Potatoes | Russets or Yukon golds hold their texture best when simmered. |
| Pinto beans | Don’t drain them; the liquid thickens the broth. |
| Tomatoes with chiles | Adds a mild heat and depth to the base. |
| Corn | Use canned or fresh, but drain well before adding. |
| Mixed vegetables | Frozen is perfect for convenience and texture. |
| Cumin and chili powder | These spices give that signature cowboy flavor. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil or butter if desired. Sauté chopped onion until translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the meat: Add ground beef and minced garlic. Cook until there’s no pink left, breaking the meat apart as it browns. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the sausage: Stir in sliced kielbasa and let it sear slightly for added flavor.
- Mix in the vegetables and beans: Add diced tomatoes, pinto beans, corn, potatoes, tomatoes with chiles, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir well to combine.
- Season and simmer: Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in 4 cups of water and stir again. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook to perfection: Let it simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the stew thickens.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with shredded cheese or cilantro if desired, and serve hot with cornbread or biscuits.
Helpful Tips
- Dice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smoky flavor.
- For thicker stew, mash a few potatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to deepen the flavor.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Brown the beef well to develop rich, meaty flavor before adding liquids.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami taste.
- Double the batch for freezing—this stew reheats beautifully.
- Garnish with cheddar cheese or green onions for a hearty finish.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Cowboy Stew: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Southern Style: Add a can of baked beans for a touch of sweetness.
- Veggie Cowboy Stew: Substitute the meat with lentils and extra vegetables for a plant-based version.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This stew is even better the next day. Let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of cornbread, jalapeño biscuits, or over steamed rice. Add a green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. For a rustic presentation, ladle into enamel bowls and sprinkle with cheddar and parsley.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with sweet tea, a dark beer, or a bold red wine like Zinfandel. Cornbread or garlic toast makes the perfect side for soaking up that flavorful broth.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. For reheating, warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway. Add a splash of broth to revive the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other meats? Yes, smoked sausage, chorizo, or even diced chicken can work.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Definitely, just brown the beef first and then let it cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, omit the meat and add more beans or lentils for a protein-rich stew.
What type of potatoes are best? Russet or Yukon gold hold up well in soups and stews.
Can I add cheese? Absolutely, a sprinkle of cheddar or pepper jack adds creamy richness.
Does it freeze well? Yes, it freezes and reheats beautifully without losing flavor.
Can I thicken it more? Yes, mash a few potatoes or add a spoonful of tomato paste while simmering.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 676.7 kcal |
| Protein | 35.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52.2 g |
| Fat | 37.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg |
| Sodium | 1620.2 mg |
| Fiber | 8.9 g |
| Sugar | 7.4 g |
| Vitamin A | 2474 IU |
| Vitamin C | 30.8 mg |
| Calcium | 116.8 mg |
| Iron | 7 mg |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
If you love hearty, family-style meals like this Texas Cowboy Stew, you’ve got to try my Walking Taco Casserole recipe next. It’s a fun, Mexican-inspired dinner layered with seasoned beef, crunchy chips, and melted cheese—perfect for busy weeknights when you want bold flavor without a lot of fuss.
Conclusion
Texas Cowboy Stew is the definition of hearty comfort food, blending smoky sausage, tender beef, and bold spices into one soul-warming pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends, it’s a meal that satisfies every appetite and brings everyone to the table. So grab your Dutch oven, and let’s cook up some cowboy-sized comfort tonight.
