Spice Things up with a bowl of savory, rich Chile Colorado! This traditional Mexican stew features tender beef simmered in a flavorful red chile sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table with ease.
Why You'll Love This Brilliant Beef Recipe
- Authentic Flavor. A rich blend of dried chiles gives this stew its signature taste.
- Comforting. Perfect for a warming meal on a cool evening.
- Versatile. Serve with rice, beans, or warm tortillas.
With its deep, smoky flavor and tender chunks of pork, Chile Colorado is sure to become a family favorite.
What Is Chile Colorado?
Chile Colorado, also known as red chile stew, is a traditional Mexican dish made with tender meat simmered in a rich red chile sauce. The name "Colorado" refers to the reddish color of the stew, derived from the dried chiles used in the recipe.
Typically made with beef or pork, this stew is a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for its hearty and comforting qualities.
Is It Healthy?
Chile Colorado can be a healthy and nutritious dish, especially when prepared with lean meats, plenty of vegetables, and mindful seasoning. It offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients while being relatively low in carbohydrates.
What Is Chile Colorado Made Of?
- Chuck Roast- The main protein of the dish. Chuck roast is a flavorful cut of beef that becomes tender when simmered, making it ideal for stews like Chile Colorado.
- Olive Oil- For browning the pork. Olive oil helps to sear the meat, locking in juices and adding a depth of flavor through caramelization.
- Salt and Pepper- Enhances the natural flavors. These basic seasonings bring out the best in the beef, providing a foundational taste that complements the rich sauce.
- Dried Ancho Chiles- Ancho chiles are dried poblano peppers that provide a mild spiciness and a slightly sweet, raisin-like flavor.
- Dried Guajillo Chiles- Guajillo chiles add a moderate heat and a fruity, tangy taste, which complements the earthiness of the other chiles.
- Dried Pasilla Chiles- Pasilla chiles have a deep, smoky flavor with a hint of berry-like sweetness, enhancing the complexity of the sauce.
- Garlic-Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the richness of the beef.
- Onion- Enhances the sauce's flavor. Onions provide a subtle sweetness and depth, balancing the bold flavors of the chiles and spices.
- Beef Broth- Forms the base of the sauce. Beef broth adds a rich, savory backbone to the sauce, enhancing the meaty flavor and providing a medium for the chiles and spices to meld.
- Cumin- Adds warmth and depth. Cumin introduces a warm, earthy flavor that complements the smoky chiles and rich beef.
- Oregano- Gives a hint of herbal flavor. Oregano adds a touch of herbal freshness that balances the deep, rich flavors of the stew.
How To Make Chile Colorado
- Prep the Chiles. Remove stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Soak the Chiles. Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 20 minutes until softened.
- Blend the Sauce. Drain the chiles and transfer them to a blender. Add garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and blend until smooth.
- Cook the Beef. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece is browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Simmer the Stew. Return the beef to the pot. Pour the chile sauce over the beef and add the remaining 2 cups of beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve. Enjoy your Chile Colorado with warm tortillas, rice, or beans. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips And Tricks
Creating a perfect Beef Chile Colorado involves a blend of the right ingredients, techniques, and a little bit of patience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most flavorful and authentic version:
- Trimming. Trim excess fat from the beef but leave some for flavor and moisture.
- Remove Seeds. For a smoother sauce and to reduce bitterness, remove the seeds and stems from the chiles after soaking.
- Simmer Time. Simmer the beef in the chile sauce for at least 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. You can use a slow cooker set on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Variations
Beef Chile Colorado is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
- Pork- Substitute pork shoulder or pork butt for the beef. The cooking method remains the same, resulting in tender, flavorful pork in a rich chile sauce.
- Creamy- Stir in a bit of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamy, rich sauce.
- Chocolate- Add a small piece of dark chocolate or a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the sauce for a hint of sweetness and depth, similar to a mole sauce.
What To Eat With Chile Colorado
Chile Colorado, with its rich, savory flavors, pairs well with a variety of sides that can complement and enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Mexican Rice- A classic side that soaks up the flavorful sauce. The mild seasoning of the rice pairs well with the robust flavors of the Chile Colorado.
- Cilantro Lime Rice- Adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich and hearty dish.
- Refried Beans- Creamy and flavorful, these beans are a traditional Mexican side dish that complements the texture and taste of the dish.
How Long Does It Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat.
Can You Freeze It?
Freeze the cooled Chile Colorado in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
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Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Chuck Roast
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 3 Dried Ancho Chiles
- 3 Dried Guajillo Chiles
- 2 Dried Pasilla Chiles
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 3 cups Beef Broth
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano
Instructions
- Prep the Chiles. Remove stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Soak the Chiles. Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 20 minutes until softened.
- Blend the Sauce. Drain the chiles and transfer them to a blender. Add garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and blend until smooth.
- Cook the Beef. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece is browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Simmer the Stew. Return the beef to the pot. Pour the chile sauce over the beef and add the remaining 2 cups of beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve. Enjoy your Chile Colorado with warm tortillas, rice, or beans. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
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Nutrition
Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.
Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
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