Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef // Easy and Hearty ️
Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef // Easy and Hearty ❤️ is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Rachel's Step by Step on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $17.50 total, $4.38 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Ground Beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for flavor)
- 7 pieces Anaheim Peppers (mild, seeded, roasted and skin removed)
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
- 1 large Jalapeno (diced small; optional for heat)
- 2 tsp Ground Cumin (freshly ground)
- 1.5 tsp Paprika (for color and flavor)
- to taste Salt (adjust after tasting)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 pieces Tomatoes (medium-large, diced)
- 3 medium Gold Potatoes (diced bite‑size)
- 6 cup Beef Broth (made with Better Than Bouillon or store‑bought)
- 1 handful Cilantro (optional, chopped)
- 2 cup Pinto Beans (cooked, thawed; optional)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for brushing tortillas (optional))
- 6 pieces Corn Tortillas (toasted for serving)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (sprinkled on toasted tortillas)
Instructions
Brown Ground Beef
Heat the large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, break it into chunks, and cook until fully browned, stirring occasionally. Drain off excess grease.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium
Prep Vegetables
While the beef browns, seed and roast the Anaheim peppers, remove charred skin, then chop them. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the jalapeno, dice the tomatoes, and cube the potatoes into bite‑size pieces. Roughly chop cilantro.
Time: PT12M
Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeno to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring, until the onion becomes slightly translucent.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Spices
Stir in ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Time: PT1M
Combine Main Ingredients
Add the diced tomatoes, potatoes, roasted Anaheim peppers, beef broth, and chopped cilantro to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the broth covers the vegetables.
Time: PT2M
Simmer Stew
Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with the lid, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: low
Add Beans and Rest
Turn off the heat. Stir in the thawed pinto beans, replace the lid, and let the stew sit for 5 minutes so the beans warm through.
Time: PT5M
Serve with Tostadas
Brush corn tortillas with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika, then toast in a dry skillet until crisp. Top with shredded cheese and let melt. Serve the hot stew over or beside the tostadas.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free (when using corn tortillas), Nut-Free, Dairy-Free (omit cheese)
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken, lean ground beef
- Instead of Anaheim Peppers: Hatch chilies, canned green chilies
- Instead of Onion: yellow onion
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Jalapeno: serrano pepper, cayenne pepper
- Instead of Ground Cumin: cumin seeds (1 tsp)
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Tomatoes: canned diced tomatoes (1 cup)
- Instead of Gold Potatoes: russet potatoes
- Instead of Beef Broth: store‑bought broth, stock cubes dissolved in water
- Instead of Cilantro: parsley
- Instead of Pinto Beans: canned pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil
- Instead of Corn Tortillas: flour tortillas
- Instead of Shredded Cheese: Mexican blend cheese, cheddar
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle (optional)
- Plate (for pre‑chopped peppers) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Drain excess grease after browning the ground beef to avoid a greasy stew.
- Ensure the broth fully covers the vegetables before simmering.
- Simmer until potatoes are fork‑tender for proper texture.
- Add beans off the heat to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, deglaze the pot with a splash of beer or red wine after browning the beef.
- Toast the cumin and paprika briefly before adding to release aromatic oils.
- Finish each bowl with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of extra cilantro.
Troubleshooting
Stew is too thick
Add additional beef broth or water a quarter cup at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Stew is too watery
Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Not enough heat
Add more jalapeno, serrano, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase spiciness.
Beans are mushy
Add beans after the stew has finished cooking and let them warm for only 5 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brown the ground beef and chop all vegetables up to 2 hours ahead; keep refrigerated.
- Prepare the beef broth in advance and store in the fridge.
- Cook and freeze pinto beans; thaw overnight before adding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of green chili beef stew in Tex-Mex cuisine?
Green chili beef stew blends traditional Mexican chili flavors with American comfort‑food ingredients like potatoes and ground beef. It became popular in the American Southwest as a quick, one‑pot meal that uses locally available green chilies such as Anaheim peppers.
What are the traditional regional variations of green chili stew in Texas and the broader Southwest?
In Texas, cooks often add pinto beans and serve the stew over corn tortillas, while in New Mexico the stew may feature Hatch chilies and be spiced with red or green chile powder. Some versions substitute beef broth with chicken broth for a lighter taste.
How is green chili beef stew traditionally served in Tex-Mex culture?
It is typically ladled into bowls and accompanied by toasted corn tortillas or warm flour tortillas, topped with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and sometimes a squeeze of lime. It can also be served over rice or with cornbread on the side.
What occasions or celebrations is green chili beef stew associated with in Southwest American cuisine?
The stew is a favorite for casual family dinners, game‑day gatherings, and chilly winter evenings. It is also served at community potlucks and backyard barbecues where a hearty, easy‑to‑make dish is appreciated.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for green chili beef stew versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground beef, Anaheim (or Hatch) green chilies, potatoes, beef broth, and pinto beans. Substitutes can be ground turkey, canned green chilies, russet potatoes, store‑bought broth, or other beans such as black or kidney beans.
What other Tex-Mex dishes pair well with green chili beef stew?
Serve it alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or a fresh avocado salad. A side of grilled corn (elote) or a simple queso dip also complements the stew’s flavors.
How has green chili beef stew evolved over time in Southwest cooking?
Originally a rustic, fire‑cooked stew using fresh chilies, modern versions often use pantry staples like canned broth and frozen beans for convenience. Today’s home cooks also experiment with adding cheese, lime, or even a splash of beer for extra depth.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making green chili beef stew?
Common errors include not draining excess grease from the beef, under‑seasoning before the broth is added, and overcooking the beans which makes them mushy. Also, be sure the broth fully covers the vegetables before simmering.
How do I know when the green chili beef stew is done cooking?
The stew is ready when the potatoes are fork‑tender, the flavors are well‑combined, and the broth has a slightly thickened, hearty consistency. Taste and adjust salt or heat at this point.
Can I make the green chili beef stew ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the stew can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specializes in clear, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on comfort foods, family‑friendly meals, and practical kitchen techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step's approach to Tex-Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Rachel's Step by Step emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, using common grocery‑store ingredients and minimal equipment while still preserving authentic Tex‑Mex flavors, unlike some channels that rely on specialty items or complex techniques.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






