Simple Beef Mechado

Beef Mechado is a classic Filipino dish that delivers a savory, rich, and hearty meal full of tender beef, vegetables, and a deliciously flavorful sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that results in mouthwatering flavors that everyone will love. Known for its tender beef and vibrant vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers, this dish is simmered in a savory tomato sauce infused with soy sauce, vinegar, and beef broth, making it the ultimate comfort food.

The secret to this dish lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the beef to absorb the deep, rich flavors of the sauce while becoming incredibly tender. Beef Mechado is easy to prepare, with only a few basic ingredients required, but the end result feels special. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving guests, it’s sure to impress. Best of all, the dish is versatile enough to be served with steamed rice, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal that can feed a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Mechado is a dish that combines simple ingredients and a long-simmering process to create rich, bold flavors. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it absorbs the flavors of the tomato sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar. The addition of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and red bell peppers adds both color and texture to the dish, making it not only delicious but visually appealing.

What makes this recipe particularly enjoyable is the balance of savory and slightly tangy flavors from the soy sauce and vinegar, which complements the sweetness of the tomato sauce and the richness of the beef broth. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 2 hours of cooking, this dish requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. It’s the perfect dish for those looking for a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or special occasions, Beef Mechado is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• Beef (cut into cubes)
• Onion (sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Potato (peeled and diced)
• Carrot (peeled and sliced)
• Red bell pepper (sliced)
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Variations

While Beef Mechado is delicious as written, there are several ways to personalize it based on your preferences:

Use Different Cuts of Beef

You can substitute beef stew meat or chuck roast for the beef cubes if you prefer a different cut. Both will become tender after long simmering.

Add More Vegetables

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as peas, green beans, or celery to add extra color and texture to your dish.

Spicy Mechado

If you prefer a bit of heat, add a chopped chili pepper or a dash of chili flakes to the dish when cooking. This will give the Mechado a nice kick.

Use Coconut Milk

For a creamy twist, try adding a cup of coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This adds richness and a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy flavors.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, cooking until fragrant and the onions are softened.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides. This step helps seal in the juices and adds extra flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Simmer the Beef

Cover the pot and allow the beef to simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is tender and has absorbed all the flavors of the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Once the beef is tender, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and red bell pepper. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is cooked through and tender, remove from heat. Serve the Beef Mechado hot with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Patience is Key: The key to achieving tender beef is slow simmering. Don’t rush the process. Let the beef cook low and slow to develop deep flavors.
• Flavor Adjustment: Taste the sauce before adding vegetables and adjust the seasoning. If it’s too tangy, add a little sugar; if too salty, add a splash of water or broth.
• Add Vegetables Last: To prevent overcooking, add the vegetables towards the end of the cooking process, especially the potatoes, which can become too soft if simmered too long.
• Use a Heavy Pot: A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot works best as it ensures even heat distribution, preventing the beef from burning and allowing it to cook evenly.

How to Serve

Beef Mechado is best served hot, straight from the pot. The rich, savory sauce pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, which absorbs the flavorful broth. For a lighter touch, you can serve it with a simple side salad or some pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the beef. Additionally, crusty bread can be a great accompaniment for dipping into the sauce.

For an extra special touch, garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley to add color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after sitting, making this dish even better the next day.

Freezing

If you have leftovers or want to make this dish in advance, you can freeze the Beef Mechado. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pot over low heat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Beef Mechado on the stove over low heat until it reaches your desired temperature. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use pork instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute pork for beef. Pork shoulder or pork belly works well in this recipe and provides a tender result after simmering.

2. Can I cook Beef Mechado in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this dish in a slow cooker. After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, if you enjoy spicy food, you can add chili peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dish while cooking for a spicy kick.

4. Can I use ground beef instead of cubed beef?

While it’s not traditional, you can use ground beef in place of cubed beef. However, the texture will be different and you won’t have the same tender chunks of meat.

5. What can I substitute for soy sauce?

If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.

6. Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! You can add green beans, peas, or even eggplant to the dish. Just be sure to add them at the right time so they don’t overcook.

7. How can I thicken the sauce?

If you find the sauce too thin, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it.

8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Beef Mechado actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It’s a great dish for meal prepping.

9. Can I make it without vinegar?

The vinegar adds a tangy depth of flavor to the dish, but if you don’t like vinegar, you can omit it. You may want to add a bit more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

10. How do I know when the beef is tender?

The beef is ready when it’s fork-tender, meaning it can be easily pierced with a fork and falls apart with little effort.

Conclusion

Simple Beef Mechado is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with your family. The slow-cooked beef, tender vegetables, and savory sauce combine for a meal that’s both hearty and comforting. Whether you enjoy it with rice, bread, or simply on its own, this Filipino classic is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the rich, tender flavors and the wonderful aroma as it simmers away, filling your kitchen with delicious scents.

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