Name: Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon; 1 pound lean ground beef; 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds; 1 cup diced onion (about half a large onion); 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves); 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, not drained; 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, not drained; 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained; 3 cups peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2-3 medium potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces); 2 ½ – 3 cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons chili powder; Salt, to taste; Ground black pepper, to taste

If you’re craving something that’s truly comforting, packed with flavors that scream Texas, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, you’re going to want to stick around for this one. I’m talking about my Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe — it’s like a big warm hug in a bowl, loaded with beef, smoky sausage, beans, potatoes, and just the right blend of spices. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to stew for cozy weeknights or weekend get-togethers.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Full of Hearty Ingredients: With beef, smoked sausage, beans, and potatoes, this stew fills you up with every spoonful.
Easy to Make: It’s straightforward and forgiving—even if you’re not an experienced cook, you’ll nail this recipe.
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors just deepen overnight, making it better the next day.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, everyone keeps asking for seconds.

A bowl of thick stew with three main layers visible: the top layer has bright yellow corn bread with a rough, crumbly texture, partially dipped into the stew; the stew itself forms the middle layer, showing chunks of light brown sausage slices, yellow potato pieces, black and brown beans, bright yellow corn, and small bits of red tomato and green herbs scattered on top, all mixed in a reddish-brown broth; the bowl is white with brown speckles and a brown rim, sitting on a white marbled surface with a small wooden bowl of chopped green herbs nearby, and a brass spoon resting inside the stew. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew, Texas Cowboy Stew, hearty stew recipes, smoky beef sausage stew, comforting Texas stew

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe lies in its balance of smoky, savory, and subtly spicy ingredients. I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes because they hold their shape nicely while just melting into the stew. And grab good quality beef broth—you’ll taste the difference.

Flat lay of six uncooked bacon slices, one pound raw lean ground beef formed in a loose mound, about half a large yellow onion diced finely, two whole garlic cloves peeled, sliced rounds of smoked sausage, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced fresh red tomatoes with seeds and juice, a small white ceramic bowl of rinsed pinto beans, a small white ceramic bowl of rinsed black beans, a small white ceramic bowl with diced tomatoes mixed with chopped green chiles, a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow whole kernel corn, three medium peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes, a small white ceramic bowl of rich beef broth, and small white ceramic bowls containing ground cumin and chili powder side by side, neatly arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew, Texas Cowboy Stew, hearty stew recipes, smoky beef sausage stew, comforting Texas stew

Bacon: Adds smoky crispness that forms the base flavor of the stew.
Lean Ground Beef: Keeps it hearty without being too greasy.
Diced Onion: I use about half a large onion to bring sweetness and depth.
Minced Garlic: Two cloves bring warmth and a little kick.
Smoked Sausage: Sliced into rounds for that signature Texas smokiness.
Canned Diced Tomatoes (plain): Adds acidity and body to the stew.
Pinto Beans: Smooth and creamy, they soak up all those flavors beautifully.
Black Beans: Give color contrast and a firmer bite.
Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Brings subtle heat and brightness.
Whole Kernel Corn: For touch of sweetness and texture.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Peeled and diced—they’re perfect because they hold up well and add creaminess.
Beef Broth: The stew’s soul; don’t skimp on quality here.
Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices tie everything together with classic Texan flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to your taste to bring out all the other ingredients’ best.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe is. Personally, I’ve played around with it several ways depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Don’t be afraid to tweak it!

Make it Spicier: When I want a bit more heat, I add a splash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños along with the green chiles.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out beef and sausage for hearty mushrooms and extra beans—adds a rich texture while keeping it filling.
Use Sweet Potatoes: One fall, I tried sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Golds, and the sweetness balanced the smoky sausage beautifully.
Thickener Tip: Sometimes I mash a few potato chunks against the side of the pot near the end for an extra creamy, thickened stew.

How to Make Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe

Step 1: Render that bacon until crisp

Start by dicing six slices of bacon into small pieces and adding them to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. I like to stir occasionally so the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely—about 5 to 7 minutes. When it’s done, scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels. Don’t rush this step—it’s where a lot of flavor gets built!

Step 2: Brown the beef and add aromatics

Drain most of the bacon grease from the pot, leaving just enough to sauté in the ground beef. Toss in the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as you go—usually about 5 to 7 minutes. When the beef is browned, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced smoked sausage. Cook until the onions turn translucent and the sausage is browned and fragrant, which brings such a gorgeous aroma to your kitchen.

Step 3: Add the heart of the stew and spices

Lower the heat to medium, then pour in both cans of diced tomatoes (one with green chiles), the pinto beans, black beans, corn, diced Yukon Gold potatoes, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder, then toss the reserved crispy bacon back into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a good stir so everything starts blending together.

Step 4: Simmer until flavors meld

Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover it. Let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. This slow simmer is the real secret—potatoes become tender, spices deepen, and everything gets wonderfully cozy. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. If the stew looks too thick during cooking, just add a bit more beef broth or water; if it’s too thin, keep simmering uncovered for a few minutes at the end.

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Pro Tips for Making Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe

Don’t Skip the Bacon Rendering: This step infuses the stew with deep smoky flavor—it’s worth the time and effort.
Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: They cook up creamy but hold their shape better than russets in the stew.
Simmer Low and Slow: Giving it a longer simmer helps those flavors marry perfectly; patience pays off.
Adjust Thickness Last: Add broth or simmer uncovered at the end depending on whether it’s too thick or thin.

How to Serve Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe

The image shows a large white pot filled with a rich, thick stew. The stew has many layers: chunks of yellow potatoes, round slices of orange sausage, small pieces of cooked ground meat, whole brown beans, black beans, and yellow corn kernels, all mixed together in a deep red tomato-based broth. There are green bits of fresh parsley sprinkled on top. A wooden spoon with a smooth, dark handle is partly submerged in the stew, scooping some of the ingredients. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, and the edges of the pot show some sauce stains. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew, Texas Cowboy Stew, hearty stew recipes, smoky beef sausage stew, comforting Texas stew

Garnishes

I love topping my Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew with a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream—that creamy combo cools the heat and adds richness. A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions brightens things up and adds a nice crunch contrast.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this stew alongside some warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up every last drop. You can’t go wrong with a simple green salad too, especially if you want something fresh to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when hosting, I’ve served this cowboy stew in mini bread bowls made from round sourdough loaves—everyone loves the rustic look and getting to nibble on their “bowl.” You can also ladle it over baked potatoes or even use it as a robust topping for nachos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew tastes even better the next day once the flavors have mingled overnight. I keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually lasts up to 4 days without losing its charm.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully—just portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When I freeze it, I leave the broth a little thinner, since potatoes can sometimes change texture after freezing. It keeps well for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much in the fridge, I just add a dash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Microwaving works in a pinch, but slow reheating makes a big difference.

FAQs

Can I make the Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the bacon, beef, and sausage in a skillet first for best flavor, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the potatoes in the last hour to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
What can I substitute if I don’t have smoked sausage?

If smoked sausage isn’t accessible, kielbasa or chorizo work well too—just adjust spice levels accordingly. You could also use extra bacon or add smoked paprika to mimic that smoky flavor.
Is this stew gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and check your canned ingredients for any additives containing gluten.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can work, but canned diced tomatoes bring a consistent flavor and texture to the stew. If using fresh, make sure they are ripe and add a splash of tomato paste or seasoning to boost the tomato flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart. There’s something about that smoky, spicy bite paired with creamy potatoes and beans that just feels like coming home. I hope you’ll try it out, share it with friends or family, and make some lasting memories around your table. It’s a recipe that’s tough to mess up but hard to forget—so cozy up and dig in!