This Mexican Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with tender beef, beans, and spices that warm you right up. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
I love how easy it is to throw everything in one pot and let it simmer. Perfect for those chilly nights when you just want to enjoy a comforting meal with family or friends. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I recommend using chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with sirloin. Just note that sirloin cooks faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Vegetable Oil: Commonly used for browning, you can swap it with olive oil for a richer taste. If you’re avoiding oil altogether, try using broth instead to sauté the onions and garlic.
Black Beans: These provide a great texture and flavor. If black beans aren’t on hand, feel free to use pinto beans or kidney beans as a substitute. They will work well in this stew!
Cilantro: A classic garnish that adds freshness to the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley makes a nice alternative. For a zesty touch, a squeeze of lime juice can really brighten things up!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef?
Getting tender beef in your stew is all about the cooking time and temperature. Here’s how to do it:
- First, brown the beef well. This adds depth of flavor.
- After adding your broth, bring to a boil before lowering the heat. This initial boil helps the beef absorb flavors.
- Cover and let it simmer gently for at least 1.5 hours. The low and slow cooking is key! If you have more time, longer simmering can enhance the taste even more.
Remember, a tough cut of beef will become tender with patience and time, so don’t rush it!
How to Make Delicious Mexican Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sliced jalapeño for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 2 hours of cooking time. You’ll brown the meat, simmer the flavors together, and let everything cook to perfection. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish, but it’s worth the wait for that delicious stew!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the beef stew meat. Sear the meat until it’s browned on all sides—this usually takes around 5-7 minutes. When done, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook it until it becomes translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until you smell that yummy garlic aroma.
3. Adding the Spices:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook this spice mix with the onion mixture for about 1 minute to bring out those tasty flavors.
4. Combining It All Together:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring everything together to get well mixed.
5. Simmering the Stew:
Bring the stew to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1.5 hours. This slow cooking will make the beef super tender!
6. Adding Vegetables and Beans:
After 1.5 hours, add the diced carrots, cubed potatoes, and black beans to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and tender.
7. Final Touches:
Give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper, if necessary. You want it to be just right!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot, comforting beef stew in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick if you like. This stew pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, cornbread, or any of your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat in This Stew?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef stew meat with chicken thighs for a lighter version, or even use pork for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat used.
Can I Freeze Leftover Stew?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How Can I Make This Stew Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more chili powder or some diced jalapeños to the stew. You can also stir in a few drops of hot sauce before serving to give it a little kick!
What Can I Serve with Mexican Beef Stew?
This stew pairs nicely with warm tortillas for dipping, cornbread for soaking up the sauce, or even a simple side salad to lighten things up. You can also serve it over rice for a heartier meal!