Sharon'S Mexican Waste Basket Stew
A hearty, flavorful stew combining smoky sausage, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for warming up and sharing with family or friends on a cozy evening.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 2 envelopes Lipton Beefy Onion soup mix ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can Snappy Tom tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 cans pinto beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 can whole corn, undrained
- 1 can small lima beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 can black olives, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 2 lb. Oscar Mayer Little Smokies ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute diced onion and diced celery in a small amount of oleo until tender.
- Add Lipton Beefy Onion soup mix and 4 cups of water; stir well.
- Cut Little Smokies in half.
- Add the soup mixture, pinto beans, tomato juice, Rotel tomatoes, corn, lima beans, black olives, and smoked sausages to the large pot.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with cheese or cornbread if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the Little Smokies with plant-based sausages. You can also use canned black beans instead of pinto beans for a different taste. This stew is very forgiving, so feel free to add any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew hot, topped with shredded cheese or alongside cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Homemade Chips or a fresh Guacamole Tomato Dip for added flavor. This dish is perfect for gatherings and is sure to please a crowd, making it a staple in your collection of Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions; just cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sharon'S Mexican Waste Basket Stew contains roughly 524 calories, with 18g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (148% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (134% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2151mg per serving (94% 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 this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this stew in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onions and celery, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for pinto beans?
If you don’t have pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans work well as substitutes. They will add a slightly different flavor and texture, but will still complement the stew nicely.
Is this stew spicy?
The stew has a mild flavor, but the addition of Rotel tomatoes can add a touch of heat. If you prefer less spice, you can use plain diced tomatoes instead. For added heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
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).