Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty beans, and plenty of spices that bring a little kick to every spoonful. It’s the kind of stew that feels like a warm hug after a long day, with its rich flavors and satisfying textures making it a favorite for chilly evenings or anytime you want something filling and tasty.
I love making this stew when I want a meal that’s simple but still full of flavor. It’s great because you can throw in whatever you have on hand—like peppers, onions, or tomatoes—and it still turns out delicious. I like to let it simmer slowly to make sure the beef gets really tender and the flavors have time to blend together. It’s a meal that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing!
One of my favorite ways to serve Texas Cowboy Stew is in a big bowl topped with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. I often put out some crusty bread or cornbread on the side for dipping. It’s the kind of stew that brings everyone to the table, ready to dig in and share a cozy meal together. If you’re in the mood for something filling and a little spicy, this stew is just the thing to warm you up and keep you happy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This is the heart of the stew. Choose chuck roast or similar cuts that get tender and flavorful when simmered. If beef isn’t your thing, try cubed pork shoulder.
Smoked Sausage: Adds smoky, spicy notes. Kielbasa or andouille sausage work great as alternatives. For a milder stew, use smoked turkey sausage.
Beans: Butter beans or large white beans give creamy texture. Cannellini or great northern beans are good stand-ins if needed.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give this stew its signature Texas-style flavor. Feel free to adjust for heat or try adding a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
How Do You Make the Beef Tender and Flavorful in This Stew?
Getting tender beef is key. Here are my tips:
- Brown the beef first over medium-high heat. This adds deep flavor and seals in juices.
- Don’t crowd the pot when searing meat—do it in batches for a good brown crust.
- After adding broth, simmer gently on low heat, covered, for at least 1.5 hours. Patience is key! Too high heat can make beef tough.
- Check periodically and stir gently to keep flavors blended and prevent sticking.
Follow these steps, and you’ll get beef that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of rich flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – great for even heat and slow simmering to tenderize the beef.
- Sharp chef’s knife – makes chopping onions, peppers, and garlic quick and easy.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface for safe chopping.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – for stirring without scratching your pot.
- Measuring spoons – to get the spices just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for cubed pork shoulder for a slightly sweeter, tender stew.
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness and texture.
- Use chipotle peppers in adobo instead of jalapeños to add smoky heat.
- Stir in black beans or pinto beans instead of butter beans for a different bean flavor.
How to Make Texas Cowboy Stew?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (one green and one red), sliced
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (15 oz) can butter beans or large white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and browning the meat and veggies will take about 20 minutes. Then, you’ll simmer the stew for 1.5 to 2 hours to let the beef get tender and the flavors blend beautifully. All in all, expect about 2 hours of cook time with some hands-on prep.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches so it browns well without overcrowding. Cook until all sides are nicely browned. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In the same pot, add the sliced smoked sausage rounds. Cook them until they’re lightly browned for extra flavor. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the beef.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños to the pot. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
4. Combine and Simmer:
Return the beef and sausage to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, and drained beans. Add the beef broth along with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well.
5. Cook Low and Slow:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Final Touches:
Taste the stew and adjust seasonings if needed. If you like it spicy, add more sliced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.
Enjoy your warm, tasty Texas Cowboy Stew! It’s especially good with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up all the delicious juices.
Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps the meat brown properly and cook evenly in the stew.
Can I Make Texas Cowboy Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sausage first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Substitute the Beans or Sausage?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite types of beans like black beans or pinto beans. For sausage, kielbasa or andouille are great substitutes depending on your taste preferences.