Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of New Mexico's vibrant food culture! This Red Chili Beef recipe is not just a meal—it's an explosive flavor experience that promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. With tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef bathed in a rich, spicy red chili sauce, this dish is a testament to the bold and unapologetic cuisine of the Southwest.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: New Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 3 cups red chili sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef chuck by cutting it into uniform 1-inch cubes, trimming any excessive fat.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and oregano, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or cast-iron pot over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. This process should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Remove browned beef and set aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the red chili sauce, ensuring the meat is fully submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the beef braise slowly for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Check the tenderness of the meat after 2 hours; it should be fork-tender and easily pulled apart.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, or beans as desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Chuck beef is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling and ability to become incredibly tender during slow braising.
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the meat. A deep golden-brown crust develops incredible depth of flavor.
- Low and Slow: The magic happens during the slow braising. Resist the urge to rush the cooking process—patience yields the most tender results.
- Chili Sauce Selection: For authentic flavor, use New Mexican red chili sauce. If unavailable, look for high-quality, pure red chili paste.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Serving Suggestions: Accompany with warm flour tortillas, Mexican rice, or beans to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
