Ranchero Supper Stew
A hearty Mexican-inspired beef stew with tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and green pepper, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold flavors and tender meat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt shortening and brown the beef cubes.
- Add the Lipton onion soup mix, canned tomatoes, water, and chili powder to the skillet.
- Cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped green pepper, and sliced celery to the skillet.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the gravy has thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef cubes with spices like cumin or coriander. If you don't have shortening, olive oil or butter works well as a substitute. For added nutrition, you can incorporate beans or corn into the stew. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, or try adding a splash of hot sauce for heat. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ranchero Supper Stew with warm crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro add freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Chile Verde or Lupe'S Super Enchiladas for a Mexican-themed dinner. For a hearty experience, consider a side of cornbread or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering it to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranchero Supper Stew contains roughly 340 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 476mg per serving (21% 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 for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef with pork or chicken, but cooking times may vary. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts, and adjust the cooking time to avoid dryness. If using pork, similar cuts will work well. Ensure the meat is tender and fully cooked before serving.
Is there a way to make this stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add beans for protein. You may also want to increase the amount of spices and vegetables to maintain the stew's heartiness and flavor.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the stew, allowing it to simmer for a few more minutes. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to create a thicker consistency.
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).