Sausage

Texas Sausage And Bean Stew

Name: Texas Sausage And Bean Stew
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced; 6 slices of bacon, diced; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 can of diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz (410g); 1 can of kidney beans, 15 oz (425g); 1 tablespoon of chili powder; 1 teaspoon of ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper; 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar; 4 cups of chicken broth

By Clara Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Sausage

Prep30 min

Cook40 min

Total70 min

Serves6

Warm, comforting Texas Sausage And Bean Stew

There's something about a warm, comforting bowl of stew that just feels like home. For me, that feeling is especially strong when it comes to my Texas Sausage And Bean Stew. This recipe is a staple of my household, and for good reason - it's easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings.

I remember the first time I made this stew, it was a cold winter evening and I was looking for something to warm up my family. I had all the ingredients on hand, and I was able to whip it up in no time. The smell of the sausage and bacon cooking in the pot was incredible, and the flavor of the finished stew was even better.

This recipe is special because it's a true comfort food classic. It's made with simple, accessible ingredients, and it's easy to customize to your tastes. Whether you like a little heat in your stew or prefer it mild, you can adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.

I love making this stew for my family because it's a great way to bring everyone together. We'll often gather around the table, bowls in hand, and just enjoy each other's company while we eat. It's a special feeling, and one that I cherish deeply.

If you're looking for a delicious, comforting stew recipe to add to your rotation, I highly recommend giving this one a try. It's perfect for weeknights, weekends, or any time you need a little pick-me-up. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation time
It's a great way to warm up on a chilly evening
The stew is packed with flavor and is perfect for family gatherings
It's a comforting, feel-good dish that's sure to become a staple in your household
You can customize the seasoning to suit your tastes
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste
The stew is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this stew's success lies in its layering of flavors. By cooking the sausage and bacon first, we're able to render out their fat and create a rich, savory base for the rest of the dish. Then, by adding in the onions, garlic, and beans, we're able to build on that flavor and create a deep, satisfying taste experience.

Another important factor is the use of low and slow cooking. By simmering the stew over low heat for an extended period of time, we're able to break down the connective tissues in the meat and create a tender, fall-apart texture that's just perfect for a comforting bowl of stew.

Finally, the addition of a little acidity - in this case, a splash of vinegar - helps to balance out the richness of the dish and create a bright, refreshing flavor that cuts through the heartiness of the stew.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making this stew, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll want to use high-quality sausage and bacon, as well as fresh, flavorful vegetables. Don't be afraid to get creative with your ingredients - this recipe is a great way to use up leftover beans, vegetables, and meat.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the sausage. You'll want to use a high-quality sausage that's made with pork and has a good balance of spices. Look for a sausage that's labeled as 'Texas-style' or 'smoked' for the best flavor.

1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, slicedLook for a high-quality sausage that's made with pork and has a good balance of spices. You can also use other types of sausage, such as Andouille or kielbasa, for a different flavor.
6 slices of bacon, dicedThick-cut bacon works best for this recipe, as it will hold up well to the long cooking time. You can also use other types of cured meat, such as pancetta or ham, for a different flavor.
1 large onion, choppedYou can use any type of onion for this recipe, but sweet onions like Vidalia or Maui work best. Make sure to chop the onion finely so that it cooks evenly.
3 cloves of garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe, as it adds a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with powdered garlic. You can also use roasted garlic for a richer flavor.
1 can of diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz (410g)Look for a can of diced tomatoes that's labeled as 'no salt added' or 'low sodium'. This will help to reduce the overall salt content of the dish.
1 can of kidney beans, 15 oz (425g)You can use other types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for a different flavor and texture. Make sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the stew.
1 tablespoon of chili powderYou can adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your tastes. If you like a little heat in your stew, you can add more chili powder or use hot sauce to taste.
1 teaspoon of ground cuminGround cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the stew that complements the sausage and bacon nicely. You can also use other spices, such as paprika or coriander, for a different flavor.
1/2 teaspoon of saltYou can adjust the amount of salt to suit your tastes. If you're using a low-sodium broth or canned goods, you may want to add more salt to taste.
1/4 teaspoon of black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is essential for this recipe, as it adds a bright, peppery flavor that cuts through the richness of the stew.
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegarThe acidity in the apple cider vinegar helps to balance out the richness of the dish and create a bright, refreshing flavor. You can also use other types of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar, for a different flavor.
4 cups of chicken brothYou can use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own broth from scratch for a richer flavor. Make sure to adjust the amount of salt and seasoning accordingly.

Ingredients for Texas Sausage And Bean Stew

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Texas Sausage And Bean Stew

1
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it's crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
2
Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the grease in the pot and add the sliced sausage. Cook the sausage over medium-high heat until it's browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
5
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
6
Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cooked bacon, and browned sausage to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the stew for 30-40 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the meat is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
8
Add the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the stew has thickened slightly and the flavors have balanced out.
9
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage. It should be at least 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
10
Remove the pot from the heat and let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become even more tender.
11
Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to cook the bacon and sausage over medium heat to prevent burning. You want to render out the fat slowly and get a nice crust on the meat.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your ingredients. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover beans, vegetables, and meat.
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a little cornstarch or flour to the pot and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
To add a little heat to the stew, you can add diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the pot. You can also use hot sauce to taste.
Make sure to let the stew rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become even more tender.
You can serve the stew with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, cornbread, or a green salad. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the bacon and sausage over medium heat, resulting in burned or undercooked meat.
Not letting the stew rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, resulting in a less flavorful and less tender dish.
Not using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, resulting in a dish that's too salty or too bland.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage, resulting in a dish that's not safe to eat.
Not simmering the stew for at least 30-40 minutes, resulting in a dish that's not fully flavored and tender.

Variations and Substitutions

You can add diced bell peppers or carrots to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.
You can use different types of sausage, such as Andouille or kielbasa, for a different flavor.
You can add a can of diced green chilies to the pot for a spicy kick.
You can use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own broth from scratch for a richer flavor.
You can serve the stew with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, cornbread, or a green salad.
You can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to the stew for extra flavor and creaminess.
You can make this recipe in a slow cooker for a hands-off, easy meal.

What to Serve With Texas Sausage And Bean Stew

This stew is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, cornbread, or a green salad. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.

Some other ideas for serving this stew include serving it over rice, serving it with a side of roasted vegetables, or serving it with a side of warm tortillas or cornbread.

Crusty breadCornbreadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesWarm tortillasSour cream

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3-4 months. To store, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until warm and bubbly.

Make sure to label and date the container and to use it within the recommended time frame for food safety. You can also portion out the stew into individual servings and freeze them for a quick and easy meal.

When reheating, make sure to check the internal temperature of the stew to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of sausage you like, but smoked sausage or Andouille sausage work well for this recipe. Look for a sausage that's made with pork and has a good balance of spices.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How long can I store this stew in the refrigerator?

You can store this stew in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing and to use an airtight container.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, you can freeze this stew. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3-4 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and bubbly.

What's the internal temperature of the sausage when it's cooked?

The internal temperature of the sausage should be at least 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this recipe to suit your tastes. Some ideas include diced bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes. You can also add a can of diced green chilies for a spicy kick.

How do I reheat this stew?

Can I serve this stew with other sides?

Yes, you can serve this stew with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, cornbread, or a green salad. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.

The Full Recipe

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