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
Scale
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.
