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Texas Cowboy Stew

A hearty and comforting stew filled with tender beef, bacon, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for sharing stories around the table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 slices bacon (chopped)
  • 1 large onion (small dice)
  • 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 34 cups beef broth
  • 1 15-ounce can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 15-ounce can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 15-ounce can sweet yellow corn (drained)
  • 1 4-ounce can green chiles
  • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 1 14-ounce package beef kielbasa

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Sauté the onions and garlic: Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. In the remaining bacon fat, add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute.
  3. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up. Season with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Brown the meat for about 8 minutes.
  4. Introduce the liquids: Pour in 3 cups of beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add more broth if a thinner stew is desired.
  5. Toss in the beans and veggies: Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, green chiles, diced tomatoes, and diced potatoes. Stir and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
  6. Stir in the kielbasa: Toss in the diced kielbasa and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy: Dish up the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

This stew tastes even better the next day. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy stew, Texas stew, hearty recipe, comfort food