Description
Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew is a hearty and nourishing dish that combines smoky turkey bacon, vibrant green chiles, tender potatoes, and fresh vegetables with warm Southwestern spices. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew fills your home with inviting aromas while providing a comforting, flavorful meal that is both nutritious and easy to prepare using a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Meats
- 6 ounces smoked turkey bacon, diced
Vegetables
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced green chiles (fresh or canned)
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
Liquids and Sauces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of natural cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping your potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic into bite-sized pieces. Dice the smoked turkey bacon into small strips or cubes to ensure they spread their smoky flavor evenly throughout the stew.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, lightly sauté the smoked turkey bacon until just crispy. Remove and set aside, then sauté onions and garlic in the rendered bacon fat until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Load the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, green chiles, smoked turkey bacon, tomatoes, chicken broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The flavors will deepen and meld together, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- Garnish and Serve: Right before serving, stir in fresh chopped cilantro to brighten every spoonful. Ladle generously into bowls and enjoy the comforting warmth.
Notes
- Prep ahead by chopping vegetables the night before to save time on cooking day.
- Don’t skip sautéing the smoked turkey bacon and aromatics as it adds richness and complexity to the stew.
- Adjust seasoning by tasting just before serving and adding salt, pepper, or extra spices if desired.
- Check potato tenderness midway through cooking to ensure perfect texture, as slow cooker temperatures can vary.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro last to keep their bright flavor and avoid bitterness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: slow cooker stew, green chile stew, turkey bacon stew, southwestern stew, comforting dinner, easy slow cooker recipe, hearty stew