Texas Cowboy Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cold days or a satisfying weeknight meal. Packed with tender beef, beans, potatoes, and vegetables, this stew is like a warm hug in a bowl. The blend of spices gives it a slightly smoky and savory flavor that’s sure to satisfy any appetite. It’s a true comfort food that’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or stew beef, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or stew beef) and cook until browned, breaking up the beef with a spoon if using ground beef. If using stew beef, brown the cubes on all sides. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add Potatoes and Spices:
- Stir in the diced potatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
- Add Liquids and Beans:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, and beef broth (or water). Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
- Add Frozen Peas (Optional):
- If you’re using frozen peas, add them to the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking, stirring them in until heated through.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
- Serve:
- Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread on the side.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
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