Mexican beef stew, also known as “carne con chile,” is a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you up on a cold winter day. This delicious stew requires minimal prep work and can be cooked in a single pot. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making the perfect Mexican beef stew. We will cover everything from the necessary ingredients to the cooking time and temperature, as well as some tips and tricks for serving the best homemade Mexican beef stew. Let’s get started!
Ingredients Required For Making Mexican Beef Stew
The first step in making Mexican beef stew is gathering all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
- 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 2 cups of beef broth or stock
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 (15.5 ounce) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of frozen corn kernels
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before starting to cook your Mexican beef stew.
Once you have all the ingredients, the next step is to prepare the beef. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and jalapeño peppers. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Now that the beef and vegetables are prepared, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Add the beef broth or stock, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and frozen corn kernels to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.
Preparing The Meat For Mexican Beef Stew
Start by cutting the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste and set it aside.
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef to the pot and cook it until it is browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
After the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add diced onions, garlic, and jalapenos and sauté until the onions are translucent. Then, add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and the browned beef back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Sautéing Vegetables For Mexican Beef Stew
Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced green bell pepper, and diced jalapeño peppers. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5 minutes.
Adding a tablespoon of cumin and a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sautéed vegetables will give the Mexican beef stew a smoky and earthy flavor. Stir the spices into the vegetables and cook for an additional minute before adding the beef back into the pot.
Adding Spices and Herbs For Flavorful Mexican Beef Stew
After the vegetables are softened, add ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir the mixture until the spices are fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds.
For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and a diced jalapeño pepper to the pot. The cilantro will add a fresh, herbaceous note to the stew, while the jalapeño will provide a subtle heat that complements the other spices. Be sure to remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder flavor.
Choosing The Right Type of Pot To Cook Mexican Beef Stew
The key to making a perfect Mexican beef stew is using the right type of pot. A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is recommended because it distributes heat evenly and prevents burning. Once you have the right pot, add the beef broth or stock to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a pot for Mexican beef stew is the size. The pot should be large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and allow room for stirring. A pot that is too small can cause the ingredients to overcrowd and not cook evenly. Additionally, a lid is essential to keep the stew at a consistent temperature and prevent moisture from escaping. With the right pot, size, and lid, you can create a delicious and authentic Mexican beef stew.
Adding Broth or Stock To The Mexican Beef Stew
Once the brown bits have been scraped up, add the diced tomatoes with their juice to the pot. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
Next, it’s time to add the broth or stock to the Mexican beef stew. You can use either beef broth or chicken broth, depending on your preference. Pour the broth or stock into the pot and stir everything together. Make sure the liquid covers all the ingredients in the pot. If it doesn’t, add more broth or water until everything is submerged. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least an hour, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time and Temperature For Making Perfect Mexican Beef Stew
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the browned beef back to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer the mixture until the beef is tender, which should take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Make sure to stir the stew occasionally to prevent it from burning. You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste at this point.
Once the beef is tender, you can add in your vegetables of choice. Some popular options for Mexican beef stew include diced potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Add the vegetables to the pot and continue to simmer until they are cooked to your liking. This should take an additional 20-30 minutes.
When the stew is ready, serve it hot with a side of rice or tortillas. You can also garnish it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
Adding Vegetables and Beans To The Mexican Beef Stew
After the beef is tender, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and frozen corn kernels to the pot. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. Cook the stew for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the beans and corn kernels are heated through.
For an extra boost of nutrition and flavor, consider adding some vegetables to your Mexican beef stew. Chopped bell peppers, diced onions, and sliced carrots are all great options. Add them to the pot along with the beans and corn, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this stew, simply omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add additional types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, to make the stew heartier. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks For Serving Delicious Mexican Beef Stew
Once the stew is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Serve the stew hot, and garnish it with chopped fresh cilantro. Mexican beef stew tastes delicious with warm tortillas, Spanish rice, or even a simple green salad on the side.
For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the stew. This will add a creamy and tangy element to the dish that pairs perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of the beef stew.
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Mexican beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How To Store Leftover Mexican Beef Stew
If you have leftover Mexican beef stew, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. To reheat the stew, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in a pot over low heat.
Different Variations of Mexican Beef Stews
There are many variations of Mexican beef stew that you can try. You can use different types of meat, such as pork or chicken, or add more vegetables to the stew, such as carrots, celery, or butternut squash. You can also add hot sauce to make the stew spicier. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and spices until you find the perfect combination for you.
Accompanying Side Dishes That Go Well With Mexican Beef Stews
As mentioned earlier, warm tortillas, Spanish rice, and green salads are all great side dishes that go well with Mexican beef stews. You can also serve the stew with avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, or even a dollop of guacamole.
Nutritional Value of Eating Homemade Mexican Beef Stews
Mexican beef stew is a nutritious and filling meal that provides a variety of essential nutrients to your body. This stew is an excellent source of protein, iron, fiber, and vitamin C. It also contains healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases.
History and Origin of Traditional Mexican Beef Stews
Mexican beef stew, or “carne con chile,” is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed by families in Mexico for generations. This hearty stew has its roots in the indigenous cuisine of Mexico, which combined native ingredients with Spanish influences. The use of chili peppers and spices in Mexican cuisine is a nod to the pre-Columbian era, where chili peppers were a staple ingredient in the indigenous diet. Today, Mexican beef stew remains a popular dish both in Mexico and around the world.
There you have it, a complete guide on how to make delicious Mexican beef stew. All you need are the right ingredients, a heavy-bottomed pot, and a little bit of patience. This stew is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep, and it tastes even better the next day. Try making this flavorful and comforting dish for your next family dinner or gathering and see how it becomes an instant hit!