Easy Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew Recipe

If you crave a warm, comforting meal with a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, look no further than this Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew. Packed with smoky turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and natural seasonings, this stew delivers a hearty bowl of goodness with minimal effort. It’s an ideal choice for busy days when you want a satisfying dinner ready and waiting without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away while the flavors develop beautifully.
• Rich smoky flavor: Smoked turkey bacon adds a cozy, deep taste that infuses the whole stew.
• Nutritious and colorful: Fresh veggies like peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes brighten up the dish with color and vitamins.
• Perfect for any season: Cozy up in cooler months or enjoy a lighter yet satisfying stew in the summer.
• Versatile and customizable: Easy to adjust for your favorite veggies or heat level, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew uses simple ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor. Each element brings a unique texture or taste, making the stew hearty, vibrant, and perfectly balanced.

• Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky, savory depth that enhances each bite.
• Green chilies (fresh or canned): Provide gentle heat and a classic Southwestern flair.
• Russet potatoes: Bring a creamy texture when cooked through, thickening the stew naturally.
• Onions and garlic: The aromatic backbone that elevates every bite.
• Carrots and celery: Add crunch and sweetness for a well-rounded vegetable medley.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Impart smoky sweetness and a touch of acidity.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Enhances savory depth and umami without overwhelming other flavors.
• Vegetable broth: Forms the hearty base that makes this stew so satisfying.
• Ground cumin and oregano (natural): Infuse the stew with warm, earthy notes reminiscent of authentic Southwest cooking.
• Cornstarch and natural gelling agent: Help thicken the stew into a luscious, spoon-worthy consistency.

Variations for Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew

This recipe is incredibly flexible and easy to personalize. Depending on what you have on hand or your flavor cravings, these variations make it your own creation.

• Spicy upgrade: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle powder to increase the heat and smoky depth.
• Veggie boost: Toss in chopped zucchini, corn kernels, or bell peppers for extra texture and sweetness.
• Protein swap: Replace smoked turkey bacon with smoked turkey slices or smoked turkey for a leaner option.
• Heartier version: Stir in cooked black beans or pinto beans to make it even more filling.
• Herb twist: Fresh cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top just before serving adds a fresh burst of flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Base

Start by chopping the smoked turkey bacon and sauté it in a large skillet until crisp. Use the rendered fat to sauté diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant. This step builds a rich flavor foundation your stew will love.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed veggies and smoked turkey bacon to your slow cooker. Add peeled and diced potatoes, green chilies, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), ground cumin, and oregano (natural). Stir everything well to combine.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook the stew on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow method blends all the flavors perfectly and tenderizes the potatoes without turning them mushy.

Step 4: Thicken and Finish

About 15 minutes before serving, dissolve the cornstarch and natural gelling agent in a small amount of cold water. Stir this slurry into the stew to thicken the broth into a rich, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew

• Use fresh green chilies: Fresh chilies add more vibrant flavor compared to canned, but either works beautifully.
• Don’t skip the sauté: Browning the turkey bacon and veggies intensifies flavors for a stew that tastes like it simmered all day.
• Potato size matters: Cut potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the slow cooker.
• Adjust thickness last: Adding the cornstarch slurry at the end prevents over-thickening and maintains the perfect stew texture.
• Customize heat level: Remove seeds from chilies or add more if you love spice, tailoring it to your palate.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew

Garnishes

Top your stew with a dollop of plant-based sour cream, fresh cilantro leaves, or slices of ripe avocado to add creaminess and color contrast. A sprinkle of shredded plant-based cheese also makes a delightful melty topping.

Side Dishes

Serve the stew alongside warm corn tortillas or crusty bread to soak up every savory drop. A fresh green salad with a crisp dressing brings balance to this filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the stew in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers to impress guests or brighten a weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more after a day or two, making the next meal just as delightful.

Freezing

This stew freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the stew gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm throughout. You can add a splash of vegetable broth if the stew has thickened too much after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I make this stew spicy?

Absolutely! Adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper amps up the heat, giving the stew a lively kick without overpowering the flavors.

Can I substitute other proteins for smoked turkey bacon?

Yes, smoked turkey slices or smoked turkey work wonderfully and keep the smoky character intact while varying the texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, the stew contains no gluten ingredients, especially if you use gluten-free vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural).

How do I make the stew thicker without cornstarch?

You can mash a few of the cooked potatoes in the stew with a fork to naturally thicken the broth using their starch content.

Can I add beans to this stew?

Definitely! Black beans or pinto beans are excellent additions that boost protein and fiber, making it even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew is a true weeknight winner, combining simple ingredients and effortless steps to reward you with a soulful meal. Once you try it, this hearty, smoky, and flavorful stew will become a go-to in your cooking rotation. So fire up that slow cooker and enjoy a bowl full of warmth and comfort tonight!

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