Tortilla Stew
A hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired stew featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, green chilies, and torn tortillas, perfect for a comforting meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can Ranch-style beans ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen cut corn ⓘ
- 6 corn tortillas, torn into large pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion and all spices in a large pot.
- Add water, canned tomatoes, tomato soup, Ranch-style beans, chopped green chilies, frozen corn, and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour to develop flavors.
- About 5 minutes before serving, add torn tortillas and continue to simmer until tortillas are heated through.
- Serve hot, optionally with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you want to add more spice, include a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute fresh corn if available. This tortilla stew can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld even more. Just be careful not to overcook the tortillas when adding them at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty tortilla stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Rice Veracruz or with some crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla Stew contains roughly 785 calories, with 25g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 tortilla stew vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this stew vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a mix of beans or lentils. Additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can enhance the texture and flavor. Adjust the seasoning to complement the vegetables used.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To increase the heat, add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You can also include a pinch of cayenne pepper or swap out the chili powder for a hotter variety. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.
Can I freeze tortilla stew?
Yes, tortilla stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
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).