{"id":94251,"date":"2026-10-07T11:42:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T17:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=94251"},"modified":"2026-10-07T11:42:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T17:42:00","slug":"ground-beef-and-jalapeno-stew","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/ground-beef-and-jalapeno-stew\/","title":{"rendered":"Ground beef and jalape\u00f1o stew: A flavorful taste of family tradition"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This easy-to-prepare ground beef stew recipe has wholesome ingredients. Adding jalape\u00f1o brings the spicy, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. Photo: Gemma Aguayo-Murphy for UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For many families, a hearty meat-and-vegetable stew is more than a meal. It is a tradition passed down from one generation to the next.<\/p>\n

Gemma Aguayo-Murphy, creator of Everyday Latina<\/a>, where she shares Mexican and Latin American recipes with a healthy twist, offers a recipe that brings both flavor and cherished family memories to the table.<\/p>\n

Her ground beef and jalape\u00f1o stew recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients that are both nutritious and deeply nostalgic.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts flavors and aromas evoke cherished childhood memories, transforming a simple meal into a comforting reminder of home and family,\u201d Aguayo-Murphy said.<\/p>\n

As cooler weather arrives, many people crave warm, comforting dishes. This ground beef and jalape\u00f1o stew delivers exactly that, making it a perfect addition to fall and winter menus.<\/p>\n

Known in Mexico as \u2018\u2018caldillo de carne molida,\u2019\u2019 the dish features ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, onion, garlic and jalape\u00f1os simmered in a flavorful broth.<\/p>\n

While this stew has many regional and family variations, Aguayo-Murphy loves the version she grew up with.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have early memories of eating this stew at my grandmother\u2019s house in Mexico, where it was often on the menu because it was quick and easy to make. Now, I find myself making a big pot in my own kitchen for my family. It is one of those recipes that has been passed down through generations,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Aguayo-Murphy describes the dish as simple, comforting and full of flavor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ground beef makes it hearty and satisfying, while the potatoes add substance. The tomatoes, onion, garlic and jalape\u00f1os contribute flavor, nutrients and a gentle heat that can easily be adjusted to suit individual tastes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Beyond its comforting appeal, the stew offers several nutritional benefits. The beef provides protein, iron and zinc, while the potatoes contribute carbohydrates, potassium and fiber. The vegetables add vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.<\/p>\n

Aguayo-Murphy recommends using lean ground beef to reduce saturated fat while maintaining flavor. The recipe is an easy one-pot meal, especially convenient for busy weeknights.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like to serve it as a hearty soup with plenty of broth or with less broth alongside rice and beans,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Ground beef and jalape\u00f1o stew recipe<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ingredients:<\/strong><\/h4>\n