Craving a hearty and flavorful meal that’s also good for you? This Spicy Chipotle Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes is a perfect choice, offering a delicious twist on healthy beef stew recipes. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Beef Stew Meat: You can use chuck roast cut into cubes.
- Sweet Potatoes: Feel free to substitute with regular potatoes or butternut squash for a different flavor.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level. Smoked paprika can offer a milder, smoky flavor.
- Beef Broth: Vegetable broth works well as an alternative.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (or 1 tsp smoked paprika)
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the can of chipotle peppers
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
Spices & Seasoning:
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Tools Needed: Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, sharp knife, cutting board.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer and brown them on all sides. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Flavor Base
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Simmer the Stew
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes. This allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Add Sweet Potatoes
After 1 hour 30 minutes, stir in the diced sweet potatoes. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and avocado slices if desired for a vibrant finish to your healthy beef stew.
Variation Ideas:
- Add bell peppers or carrots along with the sweet potatoes for extra vegetables.
- Stir in a can of black beans (rinsed and drained) during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added protein and fiber.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit them entirely.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Spicy Chipotle Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This healthy beef stew reheats beautifully on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the sweet potatoes during the last hour of cooking.
What if you don’t have a Dutch oven?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot or stockpot with a lid will work perfectly for this healthy beef stew recipe.
Can you freeze this beef stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How spicy is this stew?
With one chipotle pepper, it’s mildly spicy with a smoky kick. Two peppers will increase the heat. You can always start with less and add more adobo sauce to taste.
Why is browning the beef important?
Browning the beef creates a rich, complex flavor base for the stew through caramelization, which significantly enhances the overall taste of your healthy beef stew.
