Deeply savory, fall-apart tender, and bursting with smoky heat\u2014this braised beef in ancho chile sauce is a flavor-packed dish made for gatherings and weeknight comfort alike. Perfect for taco nights or serving alongside classic Mexican sides, this dish fills your kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes everyone ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s cooking?\u201d<\/p>\n
\ud83d\uded2 Ingredients
\nFor the Sauce
\nOlive or vegetable oil 1 teaspoon
\nWhite onion, finely chopped 1 small
\nGarlic, minced 2 cloves
\nGround cumin \u00bd teaspoon
\nDried oregano \u00bd teaspoon
\nDried ancho chiles 3 whole
\nFire roasted tomatoes (with juices) 1 can (14.5 oz)
\nRO*TEL tomatoes (or fire roasted again) 1 can (10 oz)
\nChicken or beef broth 1 cup
\nSalt and pepper To taste
\nFor the Meat
\nOlive or vegetable oil 2 teaspoons
\nBeef chuck roast or stew meat, cubed 3\u00bd pounds
\nSalt and pepper To taste
\nFor Serving
\nCorn or flour tortillas Warmed
\nAvocado, sliced As desired
\nCilantro, chopped For garnish
\nLime wedges For serving
\nCotija cheese, crumbled Optional
\nRadishes, sliced Optional
\nSour cream Optional
\n\ud83d\udd25 How to Make It<\/p>\n
see continuation on next page<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udd25 How to Make It
\nStep 1: Soften the Chiles<\/p>\n
Place ancho chiles in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water and let soak for 10 minutes until soft. Meanwhile\u2026<\/p>\n
Step 2: Build the Sauce<\/p>\n
In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Saut\u00e9 onion for 4\u20136 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
\nStir in cumin and oregano. Add both cans of tomatoes and broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
\nOnce chiles are soft, discard stems\/seeds and blend them with the tomato mixture until smooth. Season to taste and set aside.
\nStep 3: Brown the Beef<\/p>\n
Preheat oven to 325\u00b0F (165\u00b0C).
\nIn an oven-safe pot, heat oil over medium. Season beef with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown beef on all sides (4\u20136 minutes per batch). Return all beef to pot.<\/p>\n
Step 4: Braise<\/p>\n
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Cover tightly and braise in the oven for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and shreds easily.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udf2e To Serve
\nSpoon the beef into warm tortillas and offer toppings like sliced avocado, cilantro, lime, Cotija cheese, radishes, or sour cream. Round out the meal with rice and beans for a satisfying, full-flavored feast.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd54 Slow Cooker Version
\nFollow steps to prep the sauce and brown the beef.
\nTransfer everything to your slow cooker.
\nCook on Low for 6\u20138 hours or High for 3\u20134 hours, until tender and flavorful.<\/p>\n\n