Western Skillet Stew
A hearty western-style skillet stew featuring seasoned meatballs, rich tomato and bean sauce, complemented by green peppers and spicy picante, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely crushed tortilla chips ⓘ
- 1 cup Pace picante sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion with tops ⓘ
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 cup beef broth ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground meat, crushed tortilla chips, 1/3 cup picante sauce, green onions, egg, garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, and salt; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown half of the meatballs in vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove and set aside.
- Repeat with remaining meatballs, then drain drippings from the skillet.
- Add chopped tomatoes, rinsed kidney beans, beef broth, chopped green pepper, chili powder, remaining 2/3 cup picante sauce, and remaining 1 teaspoon cumin to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, stirring to loosen browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve the stew topped with crumbled tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean ground beef. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using lentils or black beans instead of meat. Adjust the spices to your taste; adding more chili powder can elevate the heat. Make sure to finely crush the tortilla chips to ensure they blend well into the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Western Skillet Stew hot, topped with crumbled tortilla chips for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad. For an extra kick, offer diced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream on the side. This dish is also a great centerpiece for a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Skillet Stew contains roughly 1546 calories, with 48g protein, 220g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (211% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), and protein (96% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1853mg per serving (81% 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
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. You can also serve the stew with hot sauce on the side, allowing each guest to customize their spice level.
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).