Description
Beef Mechado is a classic Filipino beef stew that is hearty and flavorful. This dish features tender chunks of beef simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp calamansi juice or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Stew:
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 large carrot, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper strips (optional)
- Salt and additional pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, marinate beef with soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Sear the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot, sauté garlic and onion until translucent. Add tomato, then sear marinated beef until browned.
- Cook the Stew: Stir in tomato paste, pour in reserved marinade and beef broth. Add bay leaves, boil, then simmer covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Add Vegetables: Add potatoes and carrots, cook until tender. Stir in bell peppers if using. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed white rice.
Notes
- For a traditional touch, add thin pork fat or bacon strips to beef cubes before cooking.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Braising
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
