Santa Fe Stew
Santa Fe Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes with a blend of taco and ranch seasoning. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering, it offers bold southwestern flavors with minimal prep and cooking time, making it a satisfying and easy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef with onions and drain excess fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the beef mixture.
- Cook for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, adjusting the quantity to about 4 cups. If you prefer a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This stew works well as a hearty taco filling, so consider serving it in pitas for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Santa Fe Stew hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or warm tortillas. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or your favorite Mexican recipes like Mexican noodles for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe Stew contains roughly 1145 calories, with 53g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (262% of the Daily Value), protein (106% of the Daily Value), and iron (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2263mg per serving (98% 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 Santa Fe Stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?
Yes! You can create a delicious vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils and using vegetable broth. For a heartier texture, add diced bell peppers and zucchini along with your beans.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Santa Fe Stew can be transformed into a filling for burritos or tacos. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos for a quick and satisfying meal. Just reheat and enjoy!
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).