Calabacitas Con Carne
Calabacitas Con Carne is a hearty Mexican dish featuring tender beef, fresh zucchini, corn, and green chile, topped with melted cheese for a flavorful, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the cubed round steak in shortening.
- Reduce heat, add water, cover, and simmer until the steak is tender, about one hour.
- Add more water as needed during cooking.
- Saute diced zucchini and sliced onion in shortening until tender.
- Add drained corn, chopped green chile, garlic salt, and salt to the vegetables.
- Add the cooked meat along with its stock to the vegetables and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in grated cheese and continue stirring until melted.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the round steak overnight with garlic and lime juice. If zucchini is unavailable, yellow squash can be used as a substitute. For a healthier version, you might replace shortening with olive oil. Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot green chiles according to your preference. For a creamy texture, a splash of cream can be added at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Calabacitas Con Carne pairs beautifully with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice. For a complete meal, serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad. Top with extra grated cheese or avocado slices for added richness. This dish also works well with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish. Explore more Mexican recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calabacitas Con Carne contains roughly 544 calories, with 27g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (241% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 710mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the round steak with ground beef for a quicker cooking time. Alternatively, chicken or turkey can also be used, though cooking times may vary. Just ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly before adding the vegetables.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Definitely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the meat with beans or lentils. You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, use hotter varieties of green chiles or add diced jalapeños to the mix. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).