Deb's Caldillo (Mexican Ground Beef Stew)

Submitted by Debra Thomas

"This is a tart and hearty stew with a southwestern flavor. I made it up after visiting a local Texas restaurant which declined to give me their recipe for the delicious stew I ate there. Although mine tastes similar to theirs, it is much more tart (which I like) and hot (which I love!) Check it out if you like something a bit different. You won't be disappointed."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 5mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 1 - 1 1⁄2 lb lean ground beef
• 2 -4 tablespoons yellow onions, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, crushed
• 1 -2 tablespoon bacon grease (olive oil may be substituted)
• 2 -4 tablespoons chicken broth
• 1 (4 -7 ounce) can green chilies, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel Tomatoes (or tomato and chili mix)
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 -3 potatoes, peeled and finely diced
• 4 -6 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin
• 1⁄4 - 1 cup water (added as needed during cooking)

directions

1. In a deep pot, crumble and brown beef with onion, garlic, cumin, and bacon grease.
2. Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, and chili powder; mix together well.
3. Add all canned ingredients and stir well.
4. Stir in vinegar to desired tartness.
5. Add potatoes.
6. Simmer on medium low heat for about 1 hour or until potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Serve topped with grated cheese and jalapeños, with warm tortillas on the side.

Reviews

[Clifford Boren]

A dash or two of wine sharpens the flavor.

 

[Mark H.]

We enjoyed this recipe, though I substituted coarse-ground beef (known as chili meat here in Texas) and added heat to my portions with jalapenos. It doesn't replace a good bowl of Texas Red chili (which like this recipe, has NO beans) , but it is a good change of pace. I recommend it.

 

[ShellyBeanserie]

Simple, very good flavor. Impressed my husband.

 

[liane_blocker]

My family LOVES this recipe!

 

[SolightlyUK]

It IS like fancy chilli (As ChezEduardo sez) and I loved it. I live in England where there are no rotel tomatoes but I used tinned tomatoes and then added about 10 (chopped) jalapeno slices from a jar. I had to use about a cup of chicken broth for there to be enough liquid to cook the potatoes. Something very warming for these cold winter days. We topped ours with a little shredded cheese and fromage frais (sour cream). Thanks!