This Mexican Ground Beef Stew is packed with flavor and a little kick from jalapeños. It’s a warm, hearty dish that is perfect for family dinners or chilly nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the primary protein in the stew. You can use lean beef for a healthier option or even swap it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter dish.
Jalapeño: Fresh jalapeño adds a kick. If you want less heat, use a milder pepper like a green bell pepper, or try using poblano peppers instead. For a little more heat, serrano peppers work too!
Beef Broth: This gives the stew depth of flavor. If you want to make it lighter, vegetable broth or chicken broth can be great substitutes. Homemade broth is fantastic too if you have it on hand!
Vegetables (Carrots, Potatoes, Celery): These add texture and nutrients. Feel free to mix in other veggies like green beans or corn. Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor!
Diced Tomatoes: This ingredient adds acidity and flavor. If you don’t have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes or skip them for a less tangy stew.
How Do I Make Sure My Stew Has Great Flavor?
A big key to a flavorful stew is building a solid base by cooking the onions, garlic, and jalapeño properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your oil over medium-high heat to make sure it’s hot enough before adding onions.
- Cook onions until they’re soft and start to brown slightly—this adds sweetness!
- When you add garlic, don’t let it cook too long. Just until fragrant, or it can turn bitter.
- When browning the beef, try not to stir it too much at first; let it sear to develop more flavor.
- Lastly, let your stew simmer undisturbed. This allows all the flavors to blend and create a rich taste!
Take your time with these steps and adjust seasonings at the end for a satisfying result!
Mexican Ground Beef Stew with Jalapeño
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for a tangy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This family-friendly stew will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onions. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This builds a beautiful base for your stew.
2. Add the Garlic and Jalapeño:
Add the minced garlic and sliced jalapeño to the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it is browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Depending on the fat content of your beef, you might want to drain excess fat before continuing.
4. Mix in the Veggies:
Stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to get them slightly softened. This helps them to cook evenly throughout the stew.
5. Season the Stew:
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables with these delicious spices.
6. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the beef broth and the canned diced tomatoes if you’re using them. Bring the mixture to a boil, which will help all the flavors meld together.
7. Simmer Until Tender:
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to deepen.
8. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a pinch more salt or spices can really enhance the flavor.
9. Serve It Up:
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh jalapeño slices and chopped cilantro or green onions, if you like. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Mexican Ground Beef Stew!
This comforting stew is perfect for cozy dinners and is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy every savory bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitution and will still give you a hearty stew. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey may cook a bit faster than beef.
What Should I Do If My Stew Is Too Spicy?
If the stew is spicier than you’d like, try adding a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt on top when serving. You can also add a bit of honey or sugar to balance the heat.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeño first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
