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Comforting Texas Cowboy Stew

This Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for autumn gatherings, bringing together tender meats and fresh vegetables in a warm, comforting medley.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: stew, cowboy, comfort food, autumn
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Dana Ramsey

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Ingredients

Group: Meats

  • 1 lb. ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 lb. lean beef stew meat, cut into bites

Group: Vegetables

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
  • 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold recommended)

Group: Canned Goods/Broth

  • 2 cans (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 2 cups beef broth

Group: Spices

  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Group: Garnish

  • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and stew meat. Allow it to brown nicely for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring to break the ground beef into crumbles. Once browned, transfer the meat to a bowl, leaving the rendered fat behind.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until slightly softened, then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Return the cooked beef to the pot and add the diced potatoes, tomatoes (with juice), drained black beans, corn, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and reduce heat to low.
  • Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth as needed.
  • Once simmered, the stew should be thickened with tender vegetables. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for added flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

Chill before serving to let flavors deepen. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.