New Mexico Green Chile Stew Recipe 🌶️🍲
Introduction
Few dishes capture the heart of Southwestern cooking like a steaming bowl of New Mexico Green Chile Stew. Known for its bold roasted chile flavor, hearty potatoes, and tender meat, this stew is a staple in New Mexican kitchens, especially during chile season in the fall. Blue cornmeal adds a uniquely regional twist, thickening the stew while lending an earthy flavor.
Whether you’re cooking it for a cozy family dinner or serving it at a gathering with warm tortillas on the side, this stew is comfort food at its finest—rich, savory, and undeniably Southwestern.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌶️ Authentic Southwestern Flavor – Made with roasted Hatch or New Mexican green chiles for a bold, smoky heat.
- 🥔 Hearty & Filling – Potatoes and ground meat make this a complete meal in one bowl.
- 🍲 Easy to Make – Simple ingredients come together in just about 45 minutes.
- 🧄 Customizable – Use beef, pork, or turkey depending on your preference.
- 🥣 Perfect Cold-Weather Comfort Food – A warm and spicy stew for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons blue cornmeal
- 2–3 cups roasted green chile, chopped
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 small potatoes, diced
- ½ large tomato, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Meat
In a large pot, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
2️⃣ Cook Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3️⃣ Add Cornmeal and Spices
Sprinkle in the blue cornmeal, stirring to coat the meat and onions. Add the green chile, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4️⃣ Add Stock and Vegetables
Pour in the chicken stock. Add the diced potatoes and chopped tomato, stirring to combine.
5️⃣ Simmer
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6️⃣ Taste and Adjust
Check for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
7️⃣ Serve
Ladle the hot stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve with warm flour tortillas or cornbread on the side.
Expert Tips & Variations
- 🔥 Spice Level – For extra heat, leave the seeds in your green chiles or add a chopped jalapeño.
- 🌽 No Blue Cornmeal? – Substitute regular yellow or white cornmeal as a thickener.
- 🍅 Tomato Boost – Add a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes for more depth of flavor.
- 🥩 Different Meats – Pork shoulder cut into chunks works beautifully instead of ground meat.
- 🥖 Serving Idea – Pair with warm tortillas, sopapillas, or crusty bread for dipping.
Important Notes
- Be sure to use roasted green chile—freshly roasted Hatch chiles bring the authentic flavor, but canned fire-roasted green chiles are a good substitute.
- Keep an eye on the potatoes—cut them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- The stew thickens as it sits; add a splash of chicken stock if reheating leftovers.
Nutrition (Per Serving – approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté onions/garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. Can I freeze New Mexico green chile stew?
Absolutely. Let the stew cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.
3. What’s the best green chile to use?
Hatch green chile is traditional and gives the stew its authentic flavor, but Anaheim or poblanos work if Hatch isn’t available.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add extra beans or roasted vegetables for protein.
5. How do I adjust the thickness?
Add more cornmeal if you want a thicker stew, or more broth if you prefer a thinner soup-like consistency.