Savory Mexican Comfort Stew
This Savory Mexican Comfort Stew is a cherished family recipe passed down from my mother, who discovered it while searching for budget-friendly meals. Drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican flavors, this stew is a delightful blend of tender chicken or turkey, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables, simmered to perfection with a zesty kick from taco seasoning. Perfect for utilizing leftovers from your holiday feast, it can easily be made vegetarian by substituting the meat with additional beans or lentils. Whether served on a chilly evening or enjoyed on a cozy family gathering, this dish has earned its place as a favorite 'comfort food' in our home and will surely become a staple in yours.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
diced onion
1 cup (diced)
garlic clove
1-2 (finely chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
cooked chicken or cooked turkey
3 cups (diced or shredded)
taco seasoning mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (ready to use)
ready-cut diced tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (undrained)
black beans or kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
whole kernel corn
1 (8 3/4 ounce) can (drained)
diced green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
chicken broth
1 cup (for blending)
cornstarch
1/2 tablespoon (for thickening)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and finely chopped garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Stir in the cooked chicken or turkey, the taco seasoning mix, diced tomatoes (with juices), black or kidney beans, corn, and drained green chilies.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth and cornstarch, whisking until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
4
Increase the heat to bring the stew to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
5
Taste and adjust seasonings if desired, then serve the stew hot, ideally accompanied by freshly baked cornbread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
30
Carbs
18
Protein
6
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mexican Comfort Stew?
Savory Mexican Comfort Stew is a hearty, budget-friendly dish featuring chicken or turkey, beans, and vegetables with Mexican-inspired flavors.
How many calories are in this stew?
There are 240 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 6 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe provide dietary fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 6 grams of fiber.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with additional beans or lentils.
What kind of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked chicken or turkey, either diced or shredded.
Can I use holiday leftovers for this dish?
Yes, it is a perfect way to utilize leftover cooked turkey from a holiday feast.
What types of beans can I use?
You can use either black beans or kidney beans for this stew.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be used undrained with their juices.
Should the corn be drained before adding?
Yes, the whole kernel corn should be drained.
Do I need to drain the green chilies?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one 4-ounce can of drained green chilies.
How do I thicken the stew?
The stew is thickened by whisking 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch into 1 cup of chicken broth before adding it to the pot.
What seasoning provides the flavor profile?
The recipe uses one 1.25-ounce package of taco seasoning mix for a zesty kick.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
After reaching a gentle boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large saucepan and sauté the diced onion and finely chopped garlic.
What is the suggested side dish for this stew?
It is ideally served with freshly baked cornbread for a satisfying meal.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it was discovered as a budget-friendly meal option and uses many pantry staples.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chicken broth for blending with cornstarch.
How many cans of tomatoes are needed?
You will need two 14.5-ounce cans of ready-cut diced tomatoes.
Is this stew good for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a favorite comfort food perfect for chilly evenings.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a cherished family recipe passed down from the creator's mother.
Can I use kidney beans instead of black beans?
Yes, the recipe allows for either black beans or kidney beans.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.
What size can of corn is used?
One 8.75-ounce can of whole kernel corn is required.
Should the stew be boiled?
The stew should be brought to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting and adjusting seasonings before serving hot.