Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorites—Beef Chile Colorado! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace from the heart of Mexican cuisine. Picture tender chunks of beef simmered in a luscious, spicy red chili sauce that warms you from the inside out. It’s rich, it’s flavorful, and every bite is a celebration of bold spices and comforting textures. I love making it for family gatherings because it brings everyone together, and trust me, the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply irresistible! Whether you serve it over rice or with warm tortillas, Beef Chile Colorado is the kind of dish that fuels the soul and creates lasting memories around the dinner table. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds beef chuck – Cut into 1-inch cubes for tender pieces that soak up all that delicious sauce.
- 4 dried New Mexico chiles – These beauties are key for that authentic flavor; they’ll add a wonderful depth and heat.
- 2 cups beef broth – Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness; this will keep the dish rich and savory.
- 1 onion – Chopped finely to enhance the base flavor; I love using yellow onions for their sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced for that aromatic burst; trust me, the more garlic, the better!
- 1 teaspoon cumin – This spice brings warmth and a subtle earthiness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon oregano – Dried oregano adds a nice herbal note that complements the spices.
- Salt to taste – I usually start with about a teaspoon and adjust from there; flavor is key!
- Pepper to taste – Freshly cracked black pepper gives it a lovely kick.
How to Prepare Beef Chile Colorado
Getting your Beef Chile Colorado just right is all about taking it step by step. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through it! Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a pot of deliciousness simmering on the stove.
Step 1: Prepare the Chiles
First things first, let’s get those dried New Mexico chiles ready! Take your chiles and soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes. This softens them up beautifully and makes blending a breeze. You’ll want them nice and pliable—think of it as a cozy spa treatment for your chiles!
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
Once your chiles are softened, drain them and toss them into a blender with the beef broth. Blend until smooth, and oh my goodness, the color and aroma are just heavenly! You’re looking for a velvety texture that will coat your beef perfectly; it should be thick but pourable. Don’t be shy—stop and taste it; you’ll want to savor that rich flavor!
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Now, let’s move on to the beef. In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add your beef cubes in batches (don’t crowd the pot!) and brown them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re nice and golden. This step is crucial because it locks in all that juicy goodness. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle!
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This is where the magic happens! The combination of beef, onions, and garlic creates an aroma that will have everyone wandering into the kitchen, trust me!
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Now it’s time to pour that beautiful chile sauce over the beef and give it a good stir. Don’t forget to add the cumin and oregano! Bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and let it bubble away for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is the moment when the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, so be patient. Just let it do its thing!
Step 6: Season to Taste
Finally, once your beef is fork-tender and your kitchen smells like heaven, it’s time to season. Give it a taste and sprinkle in some salt and pepper to your liking. This final touch brings all the flavors together and makes it sing! And there you have it—a warm, comforting Beef Chile Colorado ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delicious Beef Chile Colorado packs a hearty punch! You can expect approximately 350 calories, with 20 grams of fat (8 grams saturated), and a whopping 30 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. It also contains about 10 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. Of course, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients and serving sizes. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Tips for Success
To truly nail your Beef Chile Colorado, here are some of my go-to tips! First, don’t skip the browning step; it adds a depth of flavor that makes all the difference. If you’re looking for a bit more heat, feel free to add an extra chile or two. Just remember, everyone’s spice tolerance is different, so taste as you go!
Also, let your beef simmer low and slow—this is what transforms those tough chunks into tender bites of deliciousness. If you can, make it a day ahead; the flavors deepen and meld overnight, and trust me, it tastes even better the next day! Lastly, serve it up with warm tortillas or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up that incredible sauce. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Variations of Beef Chile Colorado
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up, there are plenty of delicious variations to try with your Beef Chile Colorado! One great option is to add some roasted tomatoes or tomatillos to the sauce for a slightly tangy twist. You could also throw in some diced bell peppers for added sweetness and color.
For those who love experimenting with spices, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor that’ll elevate your dish. Want to turn up the heat? Toss in some jalapeños or serranos along with the chiles! And if you’re a fan of beans, black or pinto beans can be a hearty addition, making the dish even more filling.
Finally, don’t hesitate to switch up the protein! Chicken or pork can be fantastic substitutes, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. The world is your oyster, so have fun with it and let your taste buds lead the way!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Beef Chile Colorado is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for ready-to-eat leftovers! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it as well. Just portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave; just cover it and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy that deliciousness again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of tender beef and a spicy, savory red chili sauce creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, with warm tortillas, or even alongside beans for a complete meal—whatever suits your craving!
- Make Ahead: The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better the next day, which is always a win!
Beef Chile Colorado: 5 Steps to Heartwarming Flavor
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef Chile Colorado is a flavorful and spicy dish made with tender beef and a rich red chili sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 dried New Mexico chiles
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
- Blend the chiles with beef broth until smooth.
- In a large pot, brown the beef cubes over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until tender.
- Pour the chile sauce over the beef and stir in cumin and oregano.
- Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Serve with rice or tortillas.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chiles.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Beef Chile Colorado, Mexican beef stew, spicy beef dish