Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering journey to the heart of Tex-Mex cuisine! Our Tex Mex Beef Shin Chile is not just a meal; it's an experience that will have you savoring every bite. With tender, succulent beef shin simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish promises to be the highlight of your dinner table. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive in and discover how to create a dish that will leave your guests begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef shin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Remove beef shin from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat the meat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef shin on all sides until a deep golden-brown crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Sauté until translucent and slightly softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the onions, stirring to coat and release their aromatic oils. Cook for an additional minute to bloom the spices.
- Return the seared beef shin to the pot. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. The liquid should mostly cover the meat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Slow cook for 2-
- 5 hours, turning the meat occasionally, until the beef is extremely tender and easily falls apart with a fork.
- Remove the beef shin from the liquid and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Recommended accompaniments include warm tortillas, rice, or cornbread.
Tips
- Bring the Beef to Room Temperature: To ensure even cooking, take the beef shin out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you start cooking. This helps achieve that perfect sear.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t rush the searing process! A good, deep golden-brown crust on the beef shin enhances the overall flavor of the dish, so take your time and let it develop.
- Bloom Your Spices: When adding chili powder and cumin, make sure to sauté them with the onions for a minute. This step releases their essential oils and enhances their flavor, making your dish even more aromatic.
- Low and Slow Cooking: The key to tender beef is low and slow cooking. Keep the heat low and let the beef simmer gently for 2 to
- 5 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the meat to become fork-tender.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you find the sauce too thin after shredding the beef, simply simmer it uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken it up. This will give you a rich, hearty sauce that clings perfectly to the meat.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro garnish! It adds a burst of freshness that balances the rich flavors of the dish. Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or cornbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
