Stretch Your Ground Beef: Family-Sized Mexican Stew Recipe

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that stretches your ground beef and pleases the whole family? Look no further than this incredible Mexican Ground Beef Stew! This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients into a pot; it's about building layers of rich, complex flavor that will leave everyone wanting seconds (and maybe thirds!). We're talking tender beef simmered in a vibrant tomato-based broth, infused with the warmth of chili powder and cumin, and brightened with the zest of lime. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or a delicious centerpiece for your next gathering.

Forget bland, boring ground beef dishes! This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The beautiful blend of spices and the slow-simmering process unlock the full potential of your ground beef, resulting in a tender, juicy, and intensely flavorful stew. Ready to transform your humble ground beef into a fiesta of flavor? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Plastic bag
  • Blender or Molcajete

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 0.5 kg
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic: 1 clove, finely chopped
  • Baby Bella mushrooms
  • Corn kernels: 1 large
  • Poblano peppers: 3
  • Onion: 0.5, cut into feather shape
  • Serrano chili: optional
  • Ripe tomatoes: 4
  • Cilantro: 1 bunch
  • Cumin
  • Dried oregano
  • Oil
  • Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Season Ground Beef

  • Season ground beef with salt, pepper, and finely chopped garlic.
  • Clean and slice baby bella mushrooms.
  • Roast poblano peppers (lightly oiled) until blistered, then sweat in a plastic bag to easily peel.
  • Prepare the sauce by blending ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, spices, and water in a blender or molcajete.
Season ground beef with salt, pepper, and finely chopped garlic. Roast poblano peppers (lightly oiled) until blistered, then sweat in a plastic bag to easily peel. Prepare the sauce by blending ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, spices, and water in a blender or molcajete.
Prepare Ingredients & Season Ground Beef
  • In a hot pan, brown the ground beef, adding the chopped garlic. Stir constantly to break up the meat.
In a hot pan, brown the ground beef, adding the chopped garlic. Stir constantly to break up the meat.
Prepare Ingredients & Season Ground Beef

Step 2. Sauté Vegetables and Build Flavor

  • Add onion and corn kernels to the beef and fry for 5 minutes.
  • Add serrano pepper (optional) and fry for 1 minute.
  • Add sliced mushrooms, season with salt, and stir.
  • After 5 minutes, when mushrooms release their juice, pour in the prepared sauce. Season with salt and stir.
Add onion and corn kernels to the beef and fry for 5 minutes.Add serrano pepper (optional) and fry for 1 minute. Add sliced mushrooms, season with salt, and stir. After 5 minutes, when mushrooms release their juice, pour in the prepared sauce. Season with salt and stir.
Sauté Vegetables and Build Flavor

Step 3. Simmer and Finish the Stew

  • Cover and simmer for 10 minutes over medium-low heat.
  • Add poblano pepper strips and cook for another 10 minutes until softened.
Cover and simmer for 10 minutes over medium-low heat. Add poblano pepper strips and cook for another 10 minutes until softened.
Simmer and Finish the Stew

Step 4. Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve hot with warm corn tortillas and red rice.
Serve hot with warm corn tortillas and red rice.
Serve and Enjoy

Read more: Authentic Charro Beans Recipe: South Texas Style

Tips

  • Use a damp paper towel to clean mushrooms.
  • Don't over-sweat the poblanos in the bag; they'll continue to cook.
  • Stir the meat frequently while cooking to ensure even browning and breaking down.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of beef?

Yes! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute with ground chuck, sirloin, or even a blend. Just be aware that leaner meats might require a bit more liquid.

2. How can I make this spicier or milder?

For spicier stew, add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño. For milder stew, reduce the chili powder or omit the jalapeño. You can also adjust the type of chili powder used.


This Mexican Ground Beef Stew is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and slow cooking. Enjoy the satisfying warmth and incredible flavor of this budget-friendly, family-pleasing meal. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.