Green Chile Ground Beef Stew and Tamales

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Smoky, Savory Comfort in a Bowl—With a Side of Tradition

Hearty, rustic, and infused with bold Southwestern flavor, Green Chile Ground Beef Stew and Tamales is a comforting dish rooted in tradition. Tender ground beef simmers with roasted green chiles, garlic, and onions in a rich, thickened broth that clings to every bite. Served with warm tamales, this stew transforms everyday ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or preparing a meal that brings people together, this stew delivers on all fronts.

Why You’ll Love This

  • Southwestern flavor: Roasted green chiles give this stew an unmistakable smoky heat.

  • Hearty and comforting: Perfectly seasoned ground beef and a thickened broth make every spoonful satisfying.

  • Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples to build complex flavor.

  • Versatile pairing: Great with tamales, tortillas, rice, or beans.

  • Make-ahead friendly: Even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2–3 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired thickness)

  • 8–10 roasted green chiles, peeled and chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, diced

  • ½ onion, diced

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1–2 tablespoons oil (if needed)

  • 4–6 tamales, for serving

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef:
    In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

  2. Add Aromatics:
    Stir in diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

  3. Thicken the Base:
    Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

  4. Add Chiles & Broth:
    Add chopped green chiles, then slowly stir in chicken broth. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.

  5. Season & Simmer:
    Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes until thickened.

  6. Serve:
    Spoon stew into bowls and serve hot with freshly steamed tamales, warm tortillas, or over rice.

Tips / Storage / FAQs

Tips:

  • Roast your own chiles for the best flavor.

  • Simmer uncovered to reduce and concentrate flavors.

  • Let the stew rest 10 minutes after cooking to thicken and develop flavor.

  • Try beef broth for a richer base or vegetable broth for a lighter version.

Storage:

  • Store stew in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore consistency.

FAQs:

Can I use another meat besides ground beef?
Yes—ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well too.

Do I have to roast the chiles?
It’s recommended. Roasting adds depth, but canned fire-roasted chiles are a quick alternative.

What tamales work best?
Pork or chicken tamales are classic, but cheese-and-chile or even sweet tamales offer fun variations.

Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes. Brown beef first, then combine all ingredients. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours (slow cooker) or high pressure for 20 minutes (Instant Pot).

Is it spicy?
It depends on the chiles used. Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot green chiles.

Final Thoughts

Green Chile Ground Beef Stew with Tamales is the kind of meal that’s both comforting and bold—perfect for gathering around the table or meal prepping for the week. With its deep flavor and easy ingredients, it brings the spirit of the Southwest right into your kitchen. Serve it with your favorite tamales and let the warmth and flavor speak for themselves.

Green Chile Ground Beef Stew and Tamales

Green Chile Ground Beef Stew is a hearty, smoky, and flavorful dish made with roasted green chiles and tender ground beef, served with warm tamales for the perfect Southwestern meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 29 minutes
Total Time 39 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 –3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 –3 cups chicken broth adjust for desired thickness
  • 8 –10 roasted green chiles peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic diced
  • ½ onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 –2 tablespoons oil if needed
  • 4 –6 tamales for serving

Method
 

Brown the Beef:
  1. In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics:
  1. Stir in diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Thicken the Base:
  1. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
Add Chiles & Broth:
  1. Add chopped green chiles, then slowly stir in chicken broth. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
Season & Simmer:
  1. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes until thickened.
Serve:
  1. Spoon stew into bowls and serve hot with freshly steamed tamales, warm tortillas, or over rice.

Notes

Roast your own chiles for the best flavor.
Simmer uncovered to reduce and concentrate flavors.
Let the stew rest 10 minutes after cooking to thicken and develop flavor.
Try beef broth for a richer base or vegetable broth for a lighter version.