Looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that captures the essence of the Southwest? Our easy-to-follow Southwest Stew recipe combines lean ground turkey, a medley of beans, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of zesty Rotel tomatoes to create a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for the cozy season.
Jump to RecipeI love a hearty, chunky soup or stew. Savory and comforting – especially served with some delicious bread, biscuits or cornbread. And I especially like a recipe that mostly involves emptying cans into a soup pot! Canned beans, tomatoes and chicken broth, along with frozen vegetables make this satisfying stew simple to prepare.
We made our Southwest Stew with ground turkey but you can substitute any other meat instead of ground turkey – I’ve used ground beef before, along with beef broth for a richer flavor profile. For a more mild stew, use regular diced tomatoes in place of the Rotel.
Ingredients
Ground turkey. This is the primary protein source for the stew. Ground turkey adds flavor and texture to the dish while being a leaner alternative to beef.
Minced onion. Minced onions provide a savory and aromatic base flavor to the stew. They enhance the overall taste and contribute to the depth of flavor.
Chicken broth. Chicken broth serves as the liquid base for the stew. It adds moisture and helps bring all the flavors together. The broth provides a savory background to the dish.
Pinto beans. Pinto beans are a staple in many southwestern dishes. They provide a creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavor, along with being a good source of protein and fiber.
Black beans. Black beans add both color and a slightly firmer texture to the stew. They also contribute to the overall protein and fiber content.
Mixed vegetables. The frozen mixed vegetables add a variety of colors, flavors, and nutrients to the stew. They can include vegetables like carrots, corn, peas, and green beans, providing a balance of textures and flavors.
Rotel tomatoes: A brand of canned diced tomatoes that often include green chilies or other spices. They add a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the stew, enhancing its southwestern profile.
Velveeta cheese. Velveeta cheese adds creaminess and richness to the stew. It melts into the liquid, creating a velvety texture and adding a cheesy flavor to the dish.
How to Make Southwest Stew
- In a medium soup pot, brown ground turkey with onion. Add all ingredients except cheese.
- Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add cheese cubes and stir until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of protein in place of the ground turkey. Think ground chicken, ground beef, or even plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Keep in mind that different proteins might have varying cooking times and fat content, so adjustments to cooking time and method might be needed.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Velveeta cheese, you can try using shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or any cheese that melts well. Alternatively, you can explore dairy-free options like a plant-based cheese substitute made from nuts or soy always keeping mind that different cheeses might alter the flavor and texture of the soup slightly.
The spiciness of the soup can vary based on personal tolerance and the specific variety of Rotel tomatoes you use. Rotel tomatoes often include green chilies, which can add a mild to moderate level of heat. If you’re concerned about the spiciness or if small children are eating with you, you can opt for a “mild” version of Rotel or use regular diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes for a milder flavor.
We like the way you think! Toppings can add layers of flavor and make the soup more customizable to individual preferences. Some fantastic topping ideas would be shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, chopped fresh cilantro for freshness, diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats, crushed tortilla chips for crunch, and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of acidity.
More Recipes to Try
Southwest Stew
12
10
minutes15
minutes171
kcal25
minutesLooking for a hearty and flavorful meal that captures the essence of the Southwest? Our easy-to-follow Southwest Soup recipe combines lean ground turkey, a medley of beans, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of zesty Rotel tomatoes to create a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for the cozy season.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 pound 1 ground turkey
2 tbsp 2 minced onion
28 ounces 28 chicken broth
30 ounces 30 pinto beans
15 ounces 15 black beans
2 cups 2 frozen mixed vegetables
15 ounces 15 Rotel tomatoes
3 ounces 3 Velveeta cheese cubed
Directions
- In a medium soup pot, brown ground turkey with onion. Add all ingredients except cheese. Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until vegetables are tender. Add cheese cubes and stir until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 171kcal
Like this recipe?
Follow @gencooks on Pinterest
