Green Chile Stew With Ground Beef

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, diced

1 cup diced green chile

2 tsp salt

1 tbsp cumin

8 cups broth (try homemade broth!)

4 russet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 cup diced tomatoes

Instructions:

Add ground beef and onion to a large stockpot or pan, over medium heat.

Brown ground beef and onions for 5-8 minutes, or until mostly cooked.

Add in green chile, salt, cumin, broth, and potatoes, and bring to a boil.

Boil over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, then add in tomatoes.

Continue boiling for 5 more minutes, or until potatoes are soft, and remove from heat.

Serve with fresh homemade tortillas.

If you want to put this all in a crock-pot and forget about it for 8 hours, you can definitely do that as well. Just leave out the potatoes and tomatoes until about 2 hours until it’s done, then add ’em. It’ll be perfect by the time you get ready for dinner!

Notes:

Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Green Chiles: Use your preferred variety of green chiles such as Hatch, Anaheim, or poblano based on your spice preference. Adjust the quantity to control the spiciness.

Broth: Homemade broth is recommended for optimal flavor, but store-bought broth works well too.

Cooking Methods:

Stovetop: Follow the recipe instructions on the stovetop, allowing the stew to simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Crock-Pot: For convenience, use a slow cooker. Add all ingredients except potatoes and tomatoes initially. Include potatoes and tomatoes about 2 hours before serving for perfectly cooked vegetables.

Make in Advance: This stew can be made ahead and reheated for serving. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Freezing Leftovers: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label and date for storage in the freezer for several months.

Vegetarian and Vegan Variations:

Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use plant-based ground meat or substitute with additional vegetables like mushrooms or lentils for protein and texture.

Vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.

Customizing Flavors:

Seasonings: Adjust salt, cumin, and other seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with additional spices like chili powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Popular toppings include grated cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and lime wedges. Get creative with your choice of garnishes to enhance the flavors of the stew.

Toppings and Garnishes:

Popular toppings include grated cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and lime wedges. Get creative with your choice of garnishes to enhance the flavors of the stew.

Spiciness Level:

Control the spiciness by choosing milder or hotter green chiles. Remove seeds and membranes for a milder flavor profile.

Canned vs. Fresh: Use canned green chiles if fresh ones are unavailable. Drain them before adding to the stew and adjust the quantity based on taste.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option or have dietary restrictions.

The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it can still be delicious.

What type of green chiles should I use?

You can use any variety of green chiles that you prefer or have access to.

Hatch green chiles are a popular choice for this dish, but Anaheim or poblano chiles also work well.

Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

Can I make this stew in advance and reheat it?

Yes, you can make this stew in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan variations of this stew?

To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and use plant-based ground meat or additional vegetables like mushrooms or lentils for texture and protein.

For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and ensure that all ingredients are plant-based.

Can I freeze leftovers of this stew?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this stew for future meals.

Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label and date them, and it should keep well in the freezer for several months.

What type of green chile should I use, and how spicy will the stew be?

The spiciness of the stew will depend on the variety of green chile you choose.

Hatch green chiles are a popular choice for their flavor and moderate spiciness, but you can use milder or hotter chiles based on your preference.

Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.

Can I use canned green chiles instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned green chiles if you don’t have access to fresh ones.

Just be sure to drain them before adding them to the stew.

Canned chiles may have a slightly different flavor than fresh, so adjust the quantity to taste.

Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this stew by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

You can also add additional vegetables or plant-based protein sources like tofu or beans.

Can I customize the spices and seasonings to my taste?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the salt, cumin, and other seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

You can also add other spices like chili powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

What are some popular toppings or garnishes for this stew?

Common toppings or garnishes for Green Chile Stew include grated cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and lime wedges.

You can get creative with your choice of toppings to enhance the flavors.