Texas Stew

On a cold, dreary day there is nothin’ better than a warm bowl of stew.  Okay, so “nothin’ better” with the exception of a drink from Starbucks!

This recipe is completely original.  Unless someone else had the same thoughts that I did!  I made this one up on my own with jumping off another recipe.  I hope you enjoy it!

Texas Stew From The Trenches

Ingredient List:

• 46oz Tomato Juice
• 24oz Mild Salsa
• 1 Can of Diced Tomatoes (14oz)
• 1 Can of Diced Tomatoes W/ Peppers (14oz)
• 2lb of Ground Sausage
• 6 Cups of Water
• 8oz Bean Soup Mix (dried beans in a bag)
• 12-16oz of Whole Wheat Spiral Noodles
• 1 Bag of Frozen Corn

First I cook up my ground sausage using my handy-dandy tool from Pampered Chef which is called a Mix ‘n Chop.  (No, I’m not being paid for this…I just like them!  A lot.)  When the meat is no longer pink, it’s time to drain the fat off and then set aside for a moment.

Now in a large pot, I used my 8 quart stockpot, add the tomato juice, salsa, and diced tomatoes.

After stirring together the first ingredients it’s time to add the water and the beans.  In the picture you see a 16oz bag.  I only used half of that.  Put the pan on the stove and begin to cook on medium heat.

After an hour or two, when the beans are looking hydrated, you can add the sausage, corn, and noodles.  Stir well and let it cook for another hour or two!

You’ll know it’s done when the noodles are “swollen”.  Turn it off and serve it as is, or let it cool before you dish up into freezer containers to stock your freezer.

I used my latest batch to stock up the freezer for when I need a fast meal that is healthy and inexpensive.  I really like to serve this with homemade rolls or bread, like my Whole Grain Bread.
I hope you enjoy this!  Let me know what you think…okay?