If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, it’s Texas Cowboy Stew. This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t just fill you up — it brings people together. It’s big, bold, and brimming with flavor, the kind of meal you can ladle into a bowl and know that everyone’s going to be happy.
This stew isn’t shy. We’re talking tender ground beef, smoky kielbasa sausage, sweet corn, creamy beans, chunky potatoes, and a mix of veggies — all swimming in a tomato-rich broth spiced just right. And because it’s made in a single big pot, you get maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a tailgate, making Sunday supper for the family, or stocking your freezer for busy weeknights, this one’s a keeper.
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Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Stew
- Feeds a big group without breaking the bank.
- One-pot recipe — less mess, more flavor.
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.
- Layered flavors from beef, sausage, and spices.
What It Tastes Like
Imagine chili and vegetable soup had a Texas-sized baby. You’ve got the richness of seasoned ground beef, the smoky bite of kielbasa, the sweetness of corn, and the earthy comfort of potatoes — all tied together with chili powder, cumin, and a touch of heat from tomatoes with green chile.
It’s hearty, rustic, and downright satisfying.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Uses budget-friendly ingredients.
- Stretches to feed 12+ servings.
- Customizable — change up the meat, veggies, or spices.
- Great for potlucks, game day, or cold nights.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 2 packages kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 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 pepper, 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
- Any additional seasonings you like
Tools You’ll Need
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven (this makes a LOT)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Possible Additions & Substitutions
- Swap pinto beans for black beans or kidney beans.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a different twist.
- Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes for extra greens.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and ground beef until the beef is fully cooked. Drain off excess fat.
- Add sausage: Toss in sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned.
- Add canned goods: Stir in all canned tomatoes, beans, corn, and mixed vegetables.
- Season: Add cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and any extra spices you love.
- Add potatoes & water: Stir in diced potatoes, then pour in 4 cups of water.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot with crusty bread or cornbread.
What to Serve with Cowboy Stew
- Warm cornbread
- Texas toast
- Side salad
- Pickled jalapeños for garnish
Tips for Success
- This recipe makes a huge batch — use your biggest pot or split into two pots.
- For deeper flavor, brown the sausage until it gets a little crispy before adding liquids.
- Let the stew sit for a few hours (or overnight in the fridge) — the flavors get even better.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sausage first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Can I halve the recipe?
Absolutely. Just cut all ingredients in half and use a smaller pot.
Can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra diced chiles.
Final Thoughts
Texas Cowboy Stew is the definition of comfort food with a big personality. It’s hearty enough for the hungriest ranch hand but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Once you’ve made it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to recipe for gatherings and cozy nights alike.
If you liked this, you might also enjoy my Smoky Chili with Cornbread Dumplings or Hearty Beef & Vegetable Soup.
💬 Tried this recipe? Leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest so we can all drool together!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1/12 of recipe):
Calories: ~350 | Fat: 20g | Carbs: 25g | Protein: 18g | Fiber: 6g
