Description
Authentic Beef Chile Colorado is a flavorful Mexican stew that showcases tender beef simmered in a rich, spicy red chile sauce. This dish combines the deep flavors of guajillo and ancho chilies with aromatic spices, creating a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With straightforward steps and versatile serving options, this recipe is both beginner-friendly and ideal for meal prep. Serve it with warm corn tortillas, rice, or as a filling for tacos to truly savor every mouthful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs. beef chuck
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 6 guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 4 ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 3 chile de arbol, stems and seeds removed
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- Corn tortillas, warmed
- Optional toppings: diced white onion, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, lime wedges
Instructions
- Toast the dried chilies in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a saucepan with chopped onion and garlic, cover with water, and simmer for about 10 minutes until softened.
- In a blender, combine softened chilies, onion, garlic, one cup of soaking liquid, cumin, coriander, oregano, and beef stock. Blend until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Cut the beef into cubes and season with salt and pepper before tossing in flour. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; brown the beef on all sides.
- Return browned beef to the pot; pour enough sauce over to cover fully (reserve extra). Add bay leaves; cover and simmer on low heat for about two hours until tender.
- Skim off any surface oil before serving hot with tortillas and toppings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg