1. Brown the Meats:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In the same pot, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the ground beef.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Cook the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Stew:
- Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Return the browned ground beef and sausage to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Potatoes:
- Add the pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Season the Stew:
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the stew.
4. Simmer the Stew:
- Simmer:
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the stew simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Serve:
- Serve Hot:
- Ladle the Texas Cowboy Stew into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Customizing: Feel free to customize the stew by adding other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and jalapeños.
- Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the stew with cornbread, tortillas, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Conclusion
Texas Cowboy Stew is a robust, one-pot meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or feeding a crowd. The combination of meats, beans, potatoes, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it around a campfire or at your kitchen table, this stew is the ultimate comfort food that brings a taste of the Wild West to your home.