If you’ve ever wanted to master a Filipino classic that’s hearty, comforting, and bursts with savory goodness, this Simple Beef Mechado Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless stew that brings together tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious tomato-based sauce that simmers to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me guide you through everything you need to know to make this soul-warming meal your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a dish as delightful as Simple Beef Mechado Recipe, the ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet essential to achieve that authentic, comforting taste. Each item plays a crucial role in developing the stew’s depth, from the rich tomato sauce to the tender vegetables that add color and balance.
- Beef, 1 lb, cut into cubes: The star of the dish, choose a cut with a bit of marbling for tenderness and flavor.
- Onion, sliced: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
- Garlic, 3 cloves, minced: Brings a warm, pungent aroma that awakens the senses.
- Potato, peeled and diced: Soaks up the stew’s savory goodness while providing creamy texture.
- Carrot, peeled and sliced: Offers a slight natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Red bell pepper, sliced: Adds freshness and vibrant hue, balancing the rich sauce.
- Tomato sauce, 1 cup: The heart of the sauce, giving it that comforting tangy depth.
- Beef broth, 1 cup: Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps the stew lush and moist.
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons: Provides umami and subtle saltiness to enrich the sauce.
- Vinegar, 2 tablespoons: Cuts through the richness with a gentle tang that brightens every bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that perfect the harmony of flavors.
How to Make Simple Beef Mechado Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a pot on medium heat and gently sauté the minced garlic and sliced onions until they become fragrant and translucent. This step builds the flavorful foundation, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma that infuse the entire dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the cubes of beef to the pot and cook them until browned on all sides. This searing step locks in the meat’s juices and adds a caramelized depth to your stew that is absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Sauces and Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir everything well to combine, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. These ingredients create that signature mechado sauce—a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes.
Step 4: Simmer to Tenderness
Cover the pot and let the beef simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the meat beautifully, allowing the flavors to meld together into a rich, comforting stew.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Once the beef is tender, toss in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and red bell pepper. Continue cooking until the vegetables soften but still hold their shape, adding bursts of texture and color to the dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Give the stew a final taste, adjust seasonings if needed, then serve it piping hot. This Simple Beef Mechado Recipe is now ready to warm hearts and satisfy appetites.
How to Serve Simple Beef Mechado Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Simple Beef Mechado Recipe to the next level, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top. These garnishes add a pop of color and a fresh brightness that complements the stew’s deep flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this beef stew is enjoyed with steamed white rice, which soaks up all those delicious juices and makes every bite more fulfilling. You could also serve it alongside garlic fried rice or crusty bread if you want to mix things up a bit.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for a special gathering, consider plating it in rustic bowls paired with a side of pickled vegetables for a zesty contrast. You can also turn leftovers into hearty sandwiches by shredding the beef and layering it on toasted buns with some fresh veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simple Beef Mechado Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld further. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring the stew stays fresh and delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave enough headspace for expansion and label with the date.
Reheating
Reheat leftover beef mechado slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving directly to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cuts like chuck or brisket work great because they become tender during slow cooking and absorb the flavors wonderfully.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté aromatics first, then transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for tender, flavorful results.
Can I substitute tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes?
You can, but using tomato sauce keeps the sauce smooth and thick. If using fresh tomatoes, puree them to maintain that consistency and taste.
What can I use instead of vinegar?
White vinegar is traditional, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or calamansi juice for a slightly different tang.
How spicy is the Simple Beef Mechado Recipe?
It’s not spicy by default, making it kid-friendly and perfect for all palates. However, you can add chili if you want a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Simple Beef Mechado Recipe is like receiving a warm hug in food form. It’s approachable, satisfying, and packed with flavors that feel like home. I truly encourage you to try this recipe—it’s a delightful way to bring family and friends together around the table with something comforting and delicious. Happy cooking!
Print
Simple Beef Mechado Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Simple Beef Mechado is a classic Filipino stew featuring tender beef cubes simmered in a rich tomato sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatic vegetables. This comforting dish combines savory and tangy flavors with hearty potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb beef, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a pot, sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion over medium heat until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes, to build the base flavor for the stew.
- Brown the beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook them, stirring occasionally, until all sides are nicely browned. This step helps seal in the meat’s juices and enhances the stew’s flavor.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir well to combine. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Simmer the beef: Cover the pot and let the beef simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours, or until the meat becomes tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add vegetables: Once the beef is tender, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and red bell pepper. Continue to cook the stew uncovered until the vegetables are soft and cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Beef Mechado hot, ideally with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful stew!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute beef broth with water and a beef bouillon cube if needed.
- Adjust the vinegar amount according to your preferred level of tanginess.
- Adding bay leaves during simmering can enhance the aroma.
- Use fresh vegetables for best results, but frozen can be substituted if necessary.
