If you’re craving a hearty, comforting bowl that delivers both a punch of flavor and a warming hug in every bite, look no further than this Hatch Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef. This stew is a beautiful dance of smoky, tender Hatch green chiles paired with savory ground beef, soft potatoes, and bright accents of fresh cilantro and lime. Each spoonful brings a perfect balance of spice, earthiness, and a richness that makes you want to savor every drop. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or impressing friends with your Southwestern cooking skills, this dish is a pure winner.

Hatch Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic starts for Hatch Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef. Each component is simple yet indispensably important, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color to make the stew truly unforgettable.

1 lb ground beef: Choose lean to balance richness and avoid excess grease in the stew.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and keeps the beef moist as it cooks.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a warm, pungent base note that plays perfectly with the chiles.
2 cups roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped: The star ingredient that brings smoky heat and authentic Southwestern flavor.
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced: Provide hearty texture and soak up the stew’s flavors beautifully.
4 cups beef broth: Creates a rich, savory base that ties all ingredients together.
1 teaspoon cumin: Adds an earthy warmth that complements the green chiles.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the stew.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spice kick and complexity.
1 teaspoon oregano: Gives the stew a fragrant herbal note that rounds out the seasoning.
1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening): Helps give the stew a luscious, slightly thickened consistency.
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Stirred in at the end for brightness and a fresh finish.
Fresh lime wedges (for serving): Squeezed on top to add zesty acidity that lifts all the flavors.

How to Make Hatch Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring constantly for about three minutes until they soften and become wonderfully fragrant. This step builds the flavorful foundation of your stew, unlocking the sweetness and pungency that blend perfectly with the heartier ingredients to come.

Step 2: Brown the ground beef

Next, add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown evenly until no pink remains, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This browning process adds a savory richness and depth that form the backbone of your Hatch Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef.

Step 3: Optional thickening with flour

For a thicker stew, sprinkle the flour over the browned beef, stirring well to coat. The flour will absorb some fat and juices, helping your stew achieve a lovely, velvety texture that clings to the potatoes and chiles beautifully.

Step 4: Add the main ingredients and seasonings

Stir in the roasted Hatch green chiles and diced potatoes, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Now add the cumin, salt, black pepper, and oregano for a burst of aromatic, Southwestern flavor. Pour in the beef broth last, giving everything a good stir to combine all those vibrant ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer the stew

Bring your mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer gives the potatoes time to become tender and allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, resulting in a stew that’s rich, comforting, and bursting with the signature taste of Hatch green chiles.

Step 6: Finish with fresh cilantro

Just before serving, stir in the freshly chopped cilantro. This final touch brightens the stew with a fresh herbal note that contrasts wonderfully with the warm spices and smoky chiles.

How to Serve Hatch Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef

Garnishes

Brighten each serving with fresh lime wedges to squeeze over the top. The citrusy zing cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing lift. If you like a bit of extra creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese works beautifully as well.

Side Dishes

This stew shines best when paired with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop. Alternatively, serving with fluffy white rice or a simple green salad helps balance the hearty flavors without overshadowing the stew’s signature taste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stew in individual bread bowls for an interactive and cozy presentation. You can also top it with crunchy tortilla strips or toasted pepitas to add a delightful crunch to every bite. These simple touches make this rustic stew feel even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Hatch Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better!

Freezing

This stew freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Frozen stew can be stored for up to three months, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy days.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave reheating also works—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green chiles instead of roasted Hatch chiles?

Absolutely! Fresh green chiles can work, but roasting them first enhances their smoky flavor and softens their heat, which is key to capturing the signature taste of Hatch Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef.

Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for hearty beans or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Keep the Hatch green chiles for that beloved smoky kick.

How spicy is this Hatch Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the Hatch green chiles, which have a mild to medium spiciness. You can adjust by adding milder or hotter chiles to suit your taste.

Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?

For sure! Brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.

What sides pair best with this stew?

Think simple and complementary: warm cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad all enhance the meal nicely without taking attention away from the stew’s bold flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of Hatch Green Chile Stew with Ground Beef that feels both homey and exciting. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for warming up any day. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food.