Southwest Stew
A hearty and flavorful Southwest stew combining ground beef, onions, tomatoes, beans, and corn, spiced with cumin and garlic. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it offers a balanced mix of savory and mildly spicy flavors, suitable for casual dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions in a large pot.
- Add the remaining ingredients: chopped tomatoes, beans, corn, picante sauce, water, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini. If you prefer a spicier kick, substitute mild picante sauce with medium or hot. Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of hamburger for a leaner option. Don't forget to season to taste; if you have fresh herbs like cilantro, they can enhance the stew's flavor. This dish pairs well with other Mexican recipes like Mexi Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southwest Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of white rice or a simple green salad to balance the flavors. Enjoy it as a hearty main dish or as part of a larger spread for a Mexican Fiesta.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered bowl at medium power, stirring every minute until hot. This stew freezes well too; just ensure it cools completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Stew contains roughly 851 calories, with 37g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (212% of the Daily Value), and calcium (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 59g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 advance?
Absolutely! This Southwest Stew can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just refrigerate it after cooling and reheat when ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
What can I use instead of hamburger?
If you're looking for alternatives to hamburger, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe. You can also use diced tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option, ensuring to adjust the cooking time as needed for those ingredients.
How spicy is this stew?
The spice level of the Southwest Stew can be easily adjusted according to your preference. Using mild picante sauce will yield a mild dish, while opting for medium or hot varieties will add more heat. You can also include diced jalapeños or hot sauce to increase the spiciness.
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).