Taco Ranch Stew
A hearty, flavorful stew combining ground beef, ranch beans, corn, and Italian seasonings, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with a savory, spicy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat and set aside.
- Place the cooked meat and onion into a crock-pot.
- Add the undrained ranch style beans, undrained whole kernel corn, undrained tomatoes, dry Italian or Zesty Italian seasoning mix, and dry taco seasoning mix into the crock-pot.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Heat the stew thoroughly until hot, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. This stew can also be enhanced with extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. Serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast, reminiscent of Holiday Nachos.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Taco Ranch Stew hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, use it as a filling for Taco Bell Peppers or serve over rice for a hearty, comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions until heated through. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Ranch Stew contains roughly 1148 calories, with 37g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1928mg per serving (84% 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 advance?
Absolutely! This stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for Ranch Style beans?
If you can't find Ranch Style beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans as a substitute. Just make sure to use similar flavors in your choice to maintain the stew's essence.
Is this stew spicy?
The stew has a mild flavor due to the Italian and taco seasoning. If you enjoy spiciness, consider adding more taco seasoning or incorporating fresh chili peppers. Adjust to your heat preference!
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).