Best 7 Thick And Hearty Southwestern Beef Stew Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with the bold flavors of the Southwest in this hearty beef stew. This dish is packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices that will warm your soul. Savor the richness of the beef broth, infused with the smokiness of chipotle peppers, the warmth of cumin and chili powder, and the tangy brightness of tomatoes and green chilies. With three tantalizing variations to choose from, this recipe offers something for every palate. The classic version is a timeless favorite, while the slow-cooker variation allows you to effortlessly create a comforting meal with minimal effort. For those who love a bit of heat, the spicy version delivers a delightful kick that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove or slow cooker, and let's embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Southwest!

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

THICK AND HEARTY SOUTHWESTERN BEEF STEW



Thick and Hearty Southwestern Beef Stew image

Thick, rich and hearty beef stew that is anything BUT bland, if you know what I mean! It took me several years to perfect this recipe, and I'm proud to say that it was published in Taste of Home magazine! I'm a midwestern meat and potatoes kind of girl, and always liked beef stew, but it was always just "ok". (Actually really...

Provided by Kelly Williams

Categories     Beef Soups

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 1/2-3 lb chuck, arm or blade roast, trim all fat, cut into large bite-sized pieces (i usually use chuck, though i've also used these other cuts and they work just fine, too)
2 Tbsp flour
1 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
4 Tbsp butter flavored crisco
2 onions, diced large
28 oz can stewed tomatoes with the juice, i use del monte original
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 large bay leaf, or 2 smaller ones
10 3/4 oz can beef broth
1/4 tsp cayenne powder, can add more but be careful! start with this amount ;)
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp sugar
4 carrots peeled and sliced thickly, or about 16-20 baby carrots cut into thirds or fourths if larger
4-5 medium-sized red or yukon gold potatoes unpeeled and diced large bite-sized
11 oz can corn, drained, i ususally use white shoepeg (del monte is best)
1-2 Tbsp cornstarch, *optional to thicken to preference
1-2 Tbsp cold water, *optional to thicken to preference

Steps:

  • 1. In large ziplock baggie or large mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and salt. Add meat and shake/toss til all is coated. In large heavy-bottomed pot that has a lid, brown meat over med-high heat in the 4 tbsp Crisco. Add next 8 ingredients, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring only occasionally, til meat is tender. Add carrots and potatoes, recover and simmer another 25-30 minutes or til tender. Add corn, heat through. Remove bay leaf, or, leave it in there and whoever happens to get it has to do the dishes! ;). *Can add or sub peas and/or green beans if desired. You can also add 1 rib of celery, sliced, at the same time you add the potatoes and carrots if desired. **If you like it on the thick side like we do, just mix 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch with equal amount of cold water (I use 2 TbL. each), stir into pot while simmering to thicken even more. Simmer, stirring, for several minutes. Do this at the very end. Stir gently so you don't wreck the green beans if added. Some like it thin, though. So just make to your own preference.
  • 2. Serve with warm crusty french bread for sopping. Enjoy!! :D

CLASSIC, HEARTY BEEF STEW



Classic, Hearty Beef Stew image

This classic beef stew recipe makes sure you really make the most of each step of the cooking process to end up with a beautiful, rich, and hearty beef stew!

Provided by Matthew Francis

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Beef

Time 3h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 (2 pound) boneless beef round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 cups chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups dry red wine
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
3 bay leaves
2 cups beef broth, or more as needed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 cups chopped carrots
3 cups cubed Yukon Gold potatoes
1 cup fresh peas
1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place beef cubes into a large bowl. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Add flour and paprika and toss until evenly coated.
  • Heat oil in an oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until dark brown, about 4 minutes per side. Flip or stir gently with a wooden spoon until all edges are dark brown, 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove beef and set aside.
  • Add onions to the beef fat with more salt and pepper; cook and stir until they begin to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and stir until aromatic and soft, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook until it turns brown and begins to caramelize and stick to the bottom of the pan. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up the flavorful browned bits on the bottom. Let the wine reduce until almost dry again, about 3 minutes.
  • Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, herbes de Provence, and bay leaves. Add 2 cups beef broth and Worcestershire, stir, and bring to a boil. Add the seared beef cubes back into the stew liquid. Remove from heat and cover the pot.
  • Braise in the preheated oven until meat is almost tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven. Add carrots, potatoes, and more beef broth if needed. Cover and return to the oven to braise until meat and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes longer.
  • Discard bay leaves. Stir in peas, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 365.8 calories, Carbohydrate 32.1 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Fat 9.3 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 28.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 377.6 mg, Sugar 7.7 g

KELLY'S SOUTHWESTERN BEEF STEW



Kelly's Southwestern Beef Stew image

Thick, rich and hearty beef stew that is anything BUT bland, if you know what I mean! It took me several years to perfect this recipe, and I'm proud to say that it was recently published in Taste of Home magazine! I'm a Midwest meat and potatoes kind of girl, and always liked beef stew, but it was always just "ok". Even people that say they don't care for spicy foods really liked it! Hope you try it! Enjoy!

Provided by Wildflour

Categories     Stew

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 1/2-3 lbs chuck roast (trim fat as necessary) or 2 1/2-3 lbs arm roast, cubed (trim fat as necessary)
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt
4 tablespoons Butter Flavor Crisco
2 onions, diced large
1 (28 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 large bay leaf
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can beef broth
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, can sub 1/4 tsp. cayenne powder
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, but we like it in there) (optional)
4 carrots, peeled and sliced thick
4 -5 medium red potatoes, unpeeled, cut lg. bite-sized
1 (11 ounce) can corn, drained
1 -2 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
1 -2 tablespoon cold water (optional)

Steps:

  • In large ziplock baggie or large mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and salt.
  • Add meat and shake/toss til all is coated.
  • In large heavy-bottomed pot that has a lid, brown meat over med-high heat in the 4 tbsp Crisco.
  • Add next 8 ingredients, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring only occasionally, til meat is tender.
  • Add carrots and potatoes, recover and simmer another 25-30 minutes or til tender.
  • Add corn, heat through.
  • Remove bay leaf, or, leave it in there and whoever happens to get it has to do the dishes! ;).
  • *Can add or sub peas and/or green beans if desired. You can also add 1 rib of celery, sliced, at the same time you add the potatoes and carrots if desired.
  • **If you like it on the thick side like we do, just mix 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch with equal amount of cold water (I use 2 tbsp each), stir into pot while simmering to thicken even more. Simmer, stirring, for several minutes. Do this at the very end. Stir gently so you don't wreck the green beans if added.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 449.4, Fat 17.9, SaturatedFat 7.6, Cholesterol 101, Sodium 1151.8, Carbohydrate 40.6, Fiber 6, Sugar 9.7, Protein 35.9

CLASSIC BEEF STEW



Classic Beef Stew image

This easy beef stew recipe is my favorite. The rich beef gravy helps the hearty flavor of the potatoes and carrots to come through. It's the perfect homemade dish for a blustery winter day. -Alberta McKay, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h15m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 to 2 tablespoons canola oil
1-1/2 cups chopped onions
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) condensed beef broth, undiluted
3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 bay leaf
6 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup sliced celery (1-inch lengths)

Steps:

  • In an oven-safe Dutch oven, brown beef in batches in oil; drain. Return all meat to the pan. Add onions, tomatoes, broth, tapioca, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. , Cover stew and bake at 350° for 1 hour. Stir in carrots, potatoes and celery. Bake, covered, 1 hour longer or until meat and vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 751mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

THICK & CREAMY BEEF STEW



Thick & Creamy Beef Stew image

This simple beef stew is a bit different from the ordinary but is delicious with popovers or crusty whole grain bread. Recipe source: Bon Appetit (April 1986)

Provided by ellie_

Categories     Stew

Time 2h20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
2 lbs boneless beef stew meat or 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon flour, plus
1 teaspoon flour
1 1/4 cups red wine
2 cups beef broth
6 parsley sprigs
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 sprig fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces or 8 ounces baby carrots, halved
6 ounces small white boiling onions (about 2-3)
1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
1 small fennel bulb, stalks discarded (optional)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed or 1 lb fresh peas, shelled
2 tablespoons parsley, minced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°F.
  • Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in 5 quart casserole over medium high heat. Add 1/3 of the beef cubes and brown on all sides (6-8 minutes). Transfer meat to plate or bowl. Repeat with remainder of beef until all is browned.
  • Add chopped onion to pan, reducing heat to low and sauté for about 6-8 minutes or until onion is tender and translucent.
  • Return beef to pan and sprinkle with flour, tossing until all is coated. Transfer all to casserole to oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
  • Pour any reserved juices (from beef on plate) over the beef, along with the wine and broth (if beef is not covered add more beef broth or water).
  • Tie parley sprigs, garlic, thyme and bay leaf in a cheesecloth.
  • Add herbs (in cheese cloth bag) to beef with salt and pepper.
  • Bring mixture to a boil on top of stove and then transfer mixture to casserole and then to oven.
  • Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in carrots, adding more broth (or water) is sauce is too thick or mixture seems dry. Continue baking for 30-45 minutes (20-30 if using baby carrots). Discard cheesecloth bag.
  • While stew is baking in oven, in a medium saucepan boil water (enough to cover onions) and add onions and boil for 1 minute. Drain onions and peel onions.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon butter. Add onions to skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Remove onions from skillet and add to stew, along with the fennel (if using) in casserole in the oven. Continue baking for 20 more minutes.
  • Remove from oven and add peas to casserole, simmering an additional 5-10 minutes on top of the stove. Stir in minced parsley.

HEARTY GROUND BEEF STEW



Hearty Ground Beef Stew image

"I created this chunky soup when looking for something inexpensive and easy to make," recalls Sandra Castillo of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. The thick and hearty mixture is chock-full of ground beef, potatoes and baby carrots.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 5h20m

Yield 8 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound ground beef
6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 package (16 ounces) baby carrots
3 cups water
2 tablespoons Lipton beefy onion soup mix
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 can (6 ounces) Italian tomato paste

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the next nine ingredients. Stir in the beef. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours. Stir in soup and tomato paste; cover and cook for 1 hour longer or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 678mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

THICK BEEF STEW



Thick Beef Stew image

For a real meat-and-potatoes meal, Heidee uses the mixture to prepare this comforting stew that's sure to satisfy the heartiest of appetites.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 3 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 portion Triple-Batch Beef, thawed
3 medium red potatoes, quartered and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1-1/4 cups water
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, combine the beef, potatoes, water, oregano and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add peas; heat through. , Combine cornstarch and lemon juice until smooth; gradually add to beef mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • Choose the right cut of beef. Chuck roast, short ribs, and brisket are all good options for beef stew. These cuts are tough, but they become tender when cooked slowly in liquid.
  • Brown the beef before stewing it. This will help to develop flavor and color.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will give your stew a more complex flavor and texture. Good choices include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
  • Add some spices and herbs. This will help to give your stew a unique flavor. Good choices include chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, and bay leaves.
  • Simmer the stew for at least 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
  • Serve the stew with your favorite sides. Good choices include mashed potatoes, rice, or bread.

Conclusion:

Southwestern beef stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a comforting and delicious meal, give this recipe a try.

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