Texas Cowboy Stew

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra heat)
• 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Directions:

1. Cook Ground Beef:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the Potatoes:
   Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir well.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper (and cayenne if you like it spicy). Mix everything together.
5. Simmer:
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

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Tips:

• Add more heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicier stew.
• Make it smokier: Add a few dashes of smoked paprika or some chopped smoked sausage to enhance the flavor.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the ground beef for more beans (such as black beans) or extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.
• Leftovers: This stew keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for future meals.

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