Mexican Stew
A hearty Mexican-style stew featuring pasta, ground beef, vegetables, and flavorful spices. This comforting dish combines the richness of browned hamburger with the freshness of vegetables and a hint of chili powder, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt Crisco in a large skillet and add broken spaghetti.
- Add browned hamburger, green pepper, onions, garlic, celery, salt, pepper, chili powder, frozen mixed vegetables, and stewed tomatoes to the skillet.
- Cook all ingredients together until well done.
- Sprinkle grated sharp cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding black beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber. If you don't have Crisco, olive oil works well as a substitute. You can also customize the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. This Mexican stew is versatile and can be adapted like many other popular Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican stew pairs beautifully with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal. You might also want to serve it alongside a fresh salad or some guacamole for added flavor. For an extra kick, consider offering hot sauce on the side. It makes a great filling for burritos as well!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Stew contains roughly 289 calories, with 14g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1430mg per serving (62% 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 instead of hamburger?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative. You could also use shredded beef or pork for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose.
How can I make this stew spicier?
If you enjoy heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also increase the amount of chili powder used. Serve with a side of hot sauce for those who like to spice things up even more.
Is this stew freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Mexican stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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).