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Texas Cowboy Stew

This easy cowboy stew recipe is hearty and filling with kielbasa sausage, cumin, chiles, and chili powder for some Southwest appeal. It's quick and easy to make on the stovetop but tastes best when simmered all day in a crockpot. Serve with cornbread and a simple green salad.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 10 people
Calories 7333.7 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven For simmering the stew
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Slotted Spoon or Ladle For stirring and serving

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 pounds kielbasa sausage sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 15.2 ounce cans whole kernel corn, with liquid
  • 2 15 ounce cans pinto beans, with liquid
  • 2 14.5 ounce cans peeled and diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, with liquid
  • 1 10 ounce package frozen mixed vegetables
  • 4 medium baking potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crumbly but not yet cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add sausage, onion, and garlic; cook and stir until meat is no longer pink and onion is translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain grease. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Transfer beef and sausage mixture to a large pot over medium-low heat. Add water, corn, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with chile peppers, and mixed vegetables. Stir in potatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for a minimum of 1 hour; the longer it cooks, the better it gets. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Notes

To elevate the flavor, consider browning the diced potatoes lightly in the skillet after draining the meat, adding a layer of depth before combining with other ingredients. For an even richer, smoky profile, a touch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke can be introduced during the simmering phase. Ensure thorough draining of grease from the ground beef and kielbasa to prevent an oily stew. The stew benefits greatly from a longer simmer; aim for 2-3 hours on low heat, or utilize a crockpot for an all-day slow cook, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Serve with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a bright finish.