Santa Fe Stew Recipe: Easy, Hearty, and Delicious Meals

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and wholesome meal, look no further than this classic Santa Fe stew recipe. Bursting with bold Southwest flavors, this stew combines tender chunks of beef with a vibrant medley of vegetables, beans, and spices that warm you from the inside out.

Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s a one-pot wonder that brings a festive, comforting vibe right to your dinner table.

The beauty of Santa Fe stew lies in its rich layers of smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy elements. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner looking to try something new, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Let’s dive into why this stew deserves a spot in your recipe rotation and how you can make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Santa Fe stew is a crowd-pleaser that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Here’s why it stands out:

• Bold Flavor Profile: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a smoky, spicy depth that’s signature to Santa Fe cuisine.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with tender beef, beans, and vegetables, it’s a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nourishes.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this stew is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cooking alike.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer it spicier, with more veggies, or even vegetarian, this recipe adapts beautifully.
• Great for Leftovers: Flavors meld even better after a day, making it ideal for meal prep and reheating.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (for heat)
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Ladle for serving
• Bowl for soaking/prepping beans (if using dried beans)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, avoiding crowding, and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove browned beef and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Add vegetables: Stir in red and green bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano over the vegetables. Stir well to coat and toast the spices for 1-2 minutes.
6. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits for extra flavor.
7. Add beef and beans: Return browned beef to the pot along with black beans and kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
8. Simmer the stew: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
9. Add corn: Stir in corn kernels about 10 minutes before the end of cooking to keep their texture.
10. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt, pepper, or extra chili powder as desired.
11. Serve: Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Tips & Variations

For an even richer flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid steaming, and don’t rush the simmering process—slow cooking tenderizes the meat beautifully.

• Vegetarian option: Replace beef with extra beans, cubed potatoes, or hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Make it spicier: Add extra jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Slow cooker variation: Sear beef and sauté veggies as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Use dried beans: Soak dried black and kidney beans overnight and cook separately before adding to the stew to avoid excess cooking time.
• Extra smoky flavor: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a dash of liquid smoke.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Santa Fe stew is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Try these ideas for a complete and satisfying meal:

• Serve with warm, crusty bread or roasted vegetable pasta for a comforting combo.
• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced avocado for added creaminess.
• Pair with a fresh green salad like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan to balance the richness.
• Enjoy alongside steamed rice or tortillas to soak up the flavorful broth.
• For a lighter side, explore 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

This Santa Fe stew recipe is a true celebration of Southwest flavors that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table. The tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices create a dish that’s both hearty and wholesome, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Its flexibility means you can easily customize it to your preferences, whether you want it spicier, vegetarian, or packed with extra veggies.

Taking the time to simmer the stew slowly results in a rich, comforting meal that’s ideal for meal prepping or cozy dinners. If you love exploring diverse, flavorful dishes, be sure to check out other delicious recipes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to keep your menu exciting and delicious.

Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy eating!

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