Beef Mechado recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or brisket, cut into large cubes
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 large carrot, sliced thick
  • 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate Beef: In a bowl, mix beef with soy sauce and calamansi juice. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Sear the Beef: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, then set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook until softened.
  4. Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, then add bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
  5. Cook Until Tender: Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 1½–2 hours or until beef is fork-tender. Add more water if needed.
  6. Add Vegetables: Add potatoes and carrots. Cook for 10 minutes, then add bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  7. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve: Enjoy hot with steamed rice.

If you want, I can also give you a quick 45-minute pressure cooker version so it’s ready much faster.

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