Easy Green Chili
A hearty and flavorful beef stew with green chilies, tomatoes, and beans, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for those who enjoy mildly spicy, savory dishes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. beef stew meat ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can hominy or 1 (12 oz.) can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chili peppers, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. instant beef bouillon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans or pinto beans, heated and drained
Instructions
- Trim separable fat from stew meat, then cut in 3/4-inch pieces.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, stir together meat, hominy or corn, undrained tomatoes, onion, green chili peppers, water, oregano, beef bouillon, and garlic.
- Heat to a boil.
- Reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer about 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For tender meat, make sure to trim all the separable fat before cutting the beef stew meat into pieces. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the beef with mushrooms or additional beans. You can also adjust the heat by using mild or hot diced green chili peppers based on your preference. Pair this dish with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Easy Green Chili with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added brightness. It pairs beautifully with warm tortillas or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad. This dish is also perfect for game day, making it a great centerpiece for a Mexican Dipper or a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This chili also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Green Chili contains roughly 363 calories, with 11g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (181% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), and calcium (107% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 39g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for hominy?
If you don't have hominy, you can use canned whole kernel corn as a substitute. While the texture will be different, it will still provide a nice sweetness and bulk to the dish. Alternatively, you can also use cooked quinoa or rice for a unique twist.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili. You can also use spicy diced green chili peppers instead of mild ones. Adjust the spices to your liking for a truly fiery Easy Green Chili!
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).