Chile Bean Stew
A hearty, flavorful bean and vegetable stew with cumin and tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and suitable for vegetarian options when omitting the beef.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam peeled and sliced carrots and green beans over a small amount of water until tender; reserve the water.
- In a large skillet, brown the lean hamburger and drain excess fat if using.
- Add the cooked vegetables, tomato sauce, kidney beans, dried onion, sugar, cumin, and the reserved water to the skillet.
- Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes until flavors have blended and the soup has thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies. If you're short on time, canned vegetables can be used instead of fresh. Swap the hamburger for ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier version. Adjust the cumin to taste for a more pronounced flavor or use smoked paprika for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chile Bean Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Spanish Rice(Quick-Easy-Cheap) or cornbread. For a heartier meal, try pairing it with a side of Mexi-Melts or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chile Bean Stew contains roughly 394 calories, with 9g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg 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 make this stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the hamburger and add more beans or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also incorporate lentils for added protein. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all ingredients are tender.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?
If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the stew, cooking until thickened.
What can I serve with Chile Bean Stew?
This stew pairs well with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Taco Salad(Perfect For A Hot Summer Night) or some cheesy quesadillas to soak up the flavors.
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).