Healthy Mexican Beef Stew: One-Pan, Quick & Delicious!

Craving a hearty and flavorful meal that's also surprisingly healthy? Jauja's Healthy Beef Stew is the perfect answer. This vibrant dish bursts with the rich, savory flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine, but with a lighter, healthier twist. We've streamlined the process to create a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this stew is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a zesty, aromatic broth that will tantalize your taste buds.

This recipe emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients and clever cooking techniques to create a satisfying meal without sacrificing flavor. We've carefully balanced the spices to achieve a depth of taste that's both comforting and exciting. Ready to dive in and create your own culinary masterpiece? Let's get started with the simple, step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Molcajete (optional)

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 600g
  • Onion: 1/2
  • Garlic: 2 cloves
  • Ripe tomatoes: 3
  • Serrano peppers: null
  • Jalapeño peppers: null
  • Cumin: a pinch
  • Clove: 1
  • Black pepper: null
  • Salt: null
  • Cabbage: null
  • Spinach: 1 bunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

  • In a hot pan with very little oil, fry the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add chopped garlic and stir constantly to break down the meat and cook evenly.
  • Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped onion and cabbage. Continue stirring.
In a hot pan with very little oil, fry the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper.Add chopped garlic and stir constantly to break down the meat and cook evenly.Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped onion and cabbage. Continue stirring.
Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Step 2. Add Vegetables and Spices

  • After 5 minutes (medium heat), when the cabbage is soft, add the chopped tomatoes, chiles, and ground spices (cumin, clove, black pepper). Season with salt.
  • Stir and cook until the tomatoes release their juice.
After 5 minutes (medium heat), when the cabbage is soft, add the chopped tomatoes, chiles, and ground spices (cumin, clove, black pepper). Season with salt.Stir and cook until the tomatoes release their juice.
Add Vegetables and Spices

Step 3. Wilt the Spinach

  • After 5 minutes (medium heat), add the spinach, stir, lower the heat, and cover.
  • Once the spinach is cooked, the stew is ready.
After 5 minutes (medium heat), add the spinach, stir, lower the heat, and cover.Once the spinach is cooked, the stew is ready.
Wilt the Spinach

Read more: Authentic Charro Beans Recipe: South Texas Style

Tips

  • Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your spice preference.
  • Using a molcajete to grind the spices enhances the flavor.
  • Serve with refried beans and warm corn tortillas.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different cuts of beef?

Yes! Chuck roast, stew meat, or even flank steak (sliced thinly) will work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed; tougher cuts require longer cooking.

2. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.


Enjoy this flavorful and healthy Mexican beef stew as a satisfying weeknight meal or a comforting weekend lunch. The simple one-pan method makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you more time to savor the delicious results. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the vibrant tastes of Mexico in your own kitchen!