Southwestern Stew
A hearty, flavorful southwestern stew with beans, vegetables, and seasoned ground beef, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger with celery, onion, and bell pepper in a large skillet or pan.
- Drain excess fat and transfer the cooked mixture to a crock-pot or a soup pot on the stove.
- Add minestrone soup, beans, and Ro-Tel tomatoes to the pot.
- Stir to combine; the mixture may seem thick, but do not add water.
- Cook on low in the crock-pot for all day or simmer on the stove for 30 to 40 minutes until flavors meld.
- Serve hot, preferably with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the hamburger with chili powder or cumin before browning. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with textured vegetable protein or lentils. You can also use any type of beans you have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans. This stew pairs well with cornbread, making it a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southwestern Stew hot, ideally with cornbread on the side for a complete meal. You can also garnish with chopped cilantro or avocado for added freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Bake Enchiladas or any of your favorite Mexican recipes for a flavorful feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat until heated through, or microwave in individual servings. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Stew contains roughly 374 calories, with 17g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 759mg per serving (33% 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 fresh vegetables instead of canned soup?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables like diced tomatoes, carrots, and zucchini instead of canned minestrone soup. Just be sure to add some broth to maintain the stew's consistency. Adjust the spices to enhance the flavor, as fresh ingredients might require more seasoning.
Is it possible to make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew in advance and let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheating it the next day will allow the flavors to meld even more, making it taste even better. Just remember to store it in an airtight container.
What can I serve with Southwestern Stew?
This stew is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. You might also enjoy serving it alongside Fiesta Spread for a delightful appetizer before the main course.
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).