My Grandma’s Version of Green Chile Stew

This heartwarming Green Chile Stew is a cherished recipe from my Grandma’s kitchen, blending the rich flavors of ground beef, zesty green chile, and savory spices. It’s a comforting dish that brings together tender potatoes, creamy beans, and a flavorful broth, creating a meal that’s perfect for cozy gatherings.

Whether simmered on the stovetop or left to develop its flavors in a crock-pot, this stew promises a taste of home with every spoonful. Pair it with fresh homemade tortillas for an authentic touch that will make any dinner feel special.

My Grandma’s Version of Green Chile Stew

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, diced

1 cup diced green chile

2 tsp salt

1 tbsp cumin

8 cups chicken broth

4 russet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 cup diced tomatoes

2 – 15 oz. cans White Northern Beans drained and rinsed

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, beans 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 them. Add beans to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

It’ll be perfect by the time you get ready for dinner!

Notes:

Ground Beef Options: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed.

Green Chile: Fresh green chiles give the best flavor, but you can also use canned green chiles if fresh ones are unavailable. Adjust the quantity to your spice preference.

Spice Level: The heat level can vary based on the type of green chile used. Taste the stew and adjust salt and cumin to balance flavors as needed.

Potato Texture: For firmer potatoes, reduce the boiling time slightly. For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the potatoes before serving.

Beans: If you prefer, you can use other types of beans such as pinto or black beans. Just make sure they are cooked or canned beans.

Tomato Variations: Substitute diced tomatoes with a can of Rotel for added spice and flavor complexity, or use fresh tomatoes if in season.

Crock-Pot Instructions: For the crock-pot version, adding potatoes and tomatoes later helps them maintain their texture. Stir occasionally if possible, and check seasoning before serving.

Freezing: This stew freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions: This stew pairs wonderfully with fresh tortillas, but it also complements cornbread or rice if you prefer.

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.