El Paso Stew
A hearty, flavorful stew with ground beef, beans, and bold spices, perfect for comforting family dinners and fans of Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a large skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, taco seasoning mix, and Ranch-style salad dressing mix; stir well to combine.
- In a large pot, put pinto beans, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the cooked hamburger mixture to the pot.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or jalapeños along with the onion. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with lentils or textured vegetable protein. You can also use any type of beans you have on hand, such as black beans or cannellini beans, to customize this dish to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty El Paso Stew with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Soft-Shell Tacos or can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting one-pot meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of El Paso Stew contains roughly 873 calories, with 34g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (136% of the Daily Value), protein (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2846mg per serving (124% 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 ground turkey instead of hamburger in this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to hamburger and will still provide a hearty texture. Make sure to cook it thoroughly and consider seasoning it a bit more, as turkey has a milder flavor than beef.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To enhance the spice level, add some chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also include a splash of hot sauce before serving to give it that extra kick.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the hamburger and onion first, then transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).