Recipe: Deb’s Caldillo (Mexican Ground Beef Stew) 🥣
Description:
Deb’s Caldillo is a tantalizing, tart, and hearty stew infused with the vibrant flavors of the southwestern United States and Mexico. This recipe was born out of a quest to recreate the unforgettable taste of a Texan restaurant’s stew, where the chef’s secret remained guarded. Deb’s rendition, while reminiscent of the original, boasts a tangier kick and a fiery heat, making it an adventurous culinary experience for those seeking something distinctively delicious.
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) based on 8 reviews
- Calories: 382 per serving
- Fat: 15.4g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 76.8mg
- Sodium: 1058.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5.4g
- Sugar: 7.9g
- Protein: 28.3g
- Servings: Variable
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 – 1 1/2 | Lean ground beef |
2 – 4 | Yellow onions |
1 | Garlic |
1 – 2 | Bacon grease |
2 – 4 | Chicken broth |
1 | Green chilies |
1 | Can of Rotel Tomatoes |
1 | Can of tomato paste |
2 – 3 | Potatoes |
4 – 6 | Vinegar |
1 | Chili powder |
1/2 | Salt |
1/2 | Pepper |
1/2 | Cumin |
1/4 – 1 | Water |
Instructions:
-
In a deep pot, crumble and brown the lean ground beef with chopped yellow onions, minced garlic, ground cumin, and bacon grease until the beef is evenly cooked and the onions are translucent.
-
Add chicken broth to the pot along with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
-
Incorporate the canned ingredients: diced green chilies, Rotel Tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
-
Adjust the tartness of the stew to your preference by stirring in vinegar, adding gradually until desired tartness is achieved.
-
Peel and dice the potatoes, then add them to the stew mixture, ensuring they are submerged.
-
Simmer the stew over medium-low heat for approximately 1 hour or until the potatoes are fork-tender, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Serve the Caldillo stew piping hot, garnished with grated cheese and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Accompany it with warm tortillas on the side to savor every last bit of this tantalizing dish.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, consider adding additional chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes into the stew to naturally thicken it.
- Experiment with different types of potatoes for varied textures and flavors.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.