Texas Cowboy Stew
A hearty and flavorful Texas-style stew featuring ground meat, potatoes, corn, and beans, seasoned with chili powder and spices—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 4 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 (32 oz.) can Ranch-style beans ⓘ
- 6 medium potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 4 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot and add ground meat; cook until thoroughly browned.
- Add chopped onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chili powder, sugar, salt, and pepper to season the mixture.
- Add canned tomatoes, whole kernel corn, Ranch-style beans, and diced potatoes to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with lentils or a meat alternative. Additionally, feel free to increase the spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix. Leftover vegetables can also be tossed in for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Cowboy Stew hot, garnished with chopped green onions or shredded cheese for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a fresh green salad, such as Corine's Coca-Cola Salad, to complement the hearty stew. Enjoy it as a filling meal on its own or with crusty bread for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the stew thickens too much, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Cowboy Stew contains roughly 2195 calories, with 66g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 158g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (160% of the Daily Value), protein (133% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2970mg per serving (129% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Texas Cowboy Stew?
Yes, Texas Cowboy Stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
What kind of ground meat works best?
You can use any ground meat you prefer, such as beef, turkey, or chicken. Each will impart a unique flavor to the stew. For a healthier option, lean ground turkey is an excellent choice. If you want a richer taste, go for ground beef.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Absolutely! This stew is very versatile. You can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or even bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).