Beef Chile Colorado is a flavorful and hearty dish made with tender beef chuck simmered in a rich sauce of blended dried chiles and spices.
Author:Nicole Grace
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:2-3 hours
Total Time:3-3.5 hours
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Simmering
Cuisine:Mexican
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup dried red chiles (such as New Mexico or California), stems and seeds removed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
In a skillet over medium heat, toast the dried chiles for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Remove from heat and soak the chiles in hot water for 15-20 minutes until softened. Drain and place in a blender with 1 cup of beef broth, blending until smooth.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the blended chile mixture, remaining beef broth, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.
Serve hot with rice, tortillas, or over mashed potatoes.
Notes
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef in the spices and vinegar for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
You can also add diced potatoes or carrots to the pot for a heartier dish.
For a spicier version, include a few jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the sauce.