Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that won't break the bank? Look no further than this budget-friendly Ranchero Meat Stew! This vibrant Mexican-inspired dish is packed with tender meat, a rich tomato-based sauce, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, all simmered to perfection. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your next gathering. The bold flavors and satisfying textures will have you coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – easily adaptable to your preferred spice level and available ingredients.
This simple yet deeply satisfying stew is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks. Forget expensive takeout – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant price tag. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Blender
- Molcajete (optional)
- Strainer
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 700g
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Onion: 1/2
- Green tomatoes
- Cumin
- Dried oregano
- Ancho chili
- Nopales (cactus pads)
- Tomatoes
- Guajillo chiles: 2, cleaned and deseeded
- Serrano chiles
- Chile de árbol
- Salt
- Chicken broth powder
- Corn tortillas
- Refried beans
- Red rice
- Ranchero cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ranchero Sauce
- In a pan with hot oil, fry the onion, garlic, and chiles until lightly golden. Then add the guajillo and árbol chiles, tomatoes, and cook for 5 minutes. Add water, cover, and cook for 10 more minutes at low heat until soft.
- Blend the cooked sauce with water until smooth, then strain.
Step 2. Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
- In a pan with a little oil, fry the ground beef with salt and pepper until no longer red. Add chopped garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the chopped onion and green tomatoes and fry with the meat for 10 minutes.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer the Stew
- Add spices (cumin, oregano, ancho chili), fry for a minute. Then add the ranch sauce, cooked nopales, salt or chicken broth powder, and water if needed. Stir well, cover, and cook for 10 minutes at medium-low heat.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with warm corn tortillas, refried beans, and red rice.
Read more: Authentic Charro Beans Recipe: South Texas Style
Tips
- Frying the onion, garlic, and chiles for the ranch sauce gives more depth of flavor.
- Constantly stir the chiles to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Constantly stir the meat while frying to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of meat in this Ranchero Stew?
Absolutely! While the recipe uses beef, you can easily substitute with chicken, pork, or even vegetarian alternatives like lentils or mushrooms.
2. How can I make this stew spicier?
Add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few slices of jalapeño pepper to increase the heat to your liking. You can also use a spicier type of chili.
This Budget-Friendly Ranchero Stew is a testament to how delicious and satisfying a meal can be without emptying your wallet. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and hearty texture of this comforting dish, perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor the taste of authentic Mexican cuisine in the comfort of your own home.