This hearty Texas cowboy stew is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal meal for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Combining ground beef, beans, and vegetables, this stew is both filling and delicious. The addition of taco seasoning gives it a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional stews.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a few items if they are not already in your kitchen. The taco seasoning packet is essential for adding that distinctive flavor, so make sure to grab one at the supermarket. Additionally, the canned beans and tomato sauce are crucial components that you might need to stock up on.

Ingredients For Texas Cowboy Stew
Ground beef: Provides the hearty base and protein for the stew.
Diced tomatoes: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor and some texture to the stew.
Corn: Brings a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Pinto beans: Adds creaminess and additional protein.
Kidney beans: Contributes a different texture and more protein.
Tomato sauce: Helps to create a rich, flavorful broth.
Taco seasoning: Infuses the stew with a blend of spices for a southwestern kick.
Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the stew and help meld the flavors together.
Technique Tip for Making Cowboy Stew
When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and allows for better integration with the diced tomatoes, corn, pinto beans, and kidney beans. Additionally, after draining the excess fat, consider deglazing the pot with a splash of water or tomato sauce to lift any flavorful browned bits from the bottom, enhancing the overall taste of the stew.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar consistency and flavor, though they may be slightly more liquid.
corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn retains a similar texture and sweetness, and can be used directly from the freezer.
pinto beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans offer a similar texture and nutritional profile, adding a slightly different flavor.
kidney beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making them a good substitute.
tomato sauce - Substitute with passata: Passata is a pureed tomato product that provides a similar consistency and flavor to tomato sauce.
taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice mix: A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano can replicate the flavors of taco seasoning.
water - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth adds more depth and richness to the stew compared to plain water.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Cowboy Stew
How to Store or Freeze This Stew
Allow the Texas Cowboy Stew to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation and potential bacterial growth when storing.
Transfer the stew into airtight containers. For best results, use containers that are specifically designed for freezing, ensuring they are BPA-free and have a secure seal.
Label each container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the stew has been stored and ensures you use it within a safe timeframe.
Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the stew within 3-4 days. Make sure the temperature is set to 40°F (4°C) or below to maintain freshness.
For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The Texas Cowboy Stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure your freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower to keep the stew at its best quality.
When ready to reheat, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the stew.
Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, using a microwave-safe dish and stirring halfway through the heating process.
If the stew appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if necessary to refresh the flavors.
Enjoy your reheated Texas Cowboy Stew with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place the leftover Texas Cowboy Stew in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Once it reaches a simmer and is heated through, it's ready to serve. This method helps maintain the stew's original texture and flavor.
Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the stew to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly warmed. This is a quick and convenient option.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stew in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the stew is hot throughout. This method is great for reheating larger quantities and ensures even heating.
Slow Cooker Method: If you have time, transfer the stew to a slow cooker and set it to low. Allow it to heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for maintaining the stew's rich flavors and is ideal if you're not in a rush.
Double Boiler Method: For a gentle reheating option, place the stew in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the stew is heated through. This method helps prevent the stew from sticking or burning.
Best Tools for Making Cowboy Stew
Large pot: A large pot is essential for browning the ground beef and simmering the stew. It should be big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the ingredients together and ensuring they are well combined.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups are necessary for accurately measuring the water and other liquid ingredients.
Can opener: A can opener is needed to open the cans of diced tomatoes, corn, pinto beans, kidney beans, and tomato sauce.
Colander: A colander is useful for draining and rinsing the pinto beans and kidney beans.
Spatula: A spatula can help in scraping down the sides of the pot and ensuring that nothing sticks to the bottom.
Ladle: A ladle is ideal for serving the stew into bowls once it is ready.
Cutting board: A cutting board can be handy if you need to chop any additional ingredients or garnishes.
Knife: A knife is useful for any additional chopping or slicing tasks you might have.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cook the ground beef: Brown the ground beef in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add it to the pot when you're ready to make the stew.
Use canned ingredients: Opt for canned tomatoes, corn, pinto beans, and kidney beans to save time on prep and cooking.
Batch cook: Make a larger batch of the stew and freeze portions for future meals. This saves time on busy days.
One-pot cooking: Use a single large pot to minimize cleanup time.

Texas Cowboy Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can corn (15 oz, drained)
- 1 can pinto beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- 1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- 2. Add the diced tomatoes, corn, pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- 3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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