If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that embodies the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine, then you must try this Simple Beef Mechado Recipe. It brings together tender beef simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, accented by savory soy sauce and a bright splash of vinegar for that perfect balance. Each bite bursts with warmth and familiarity, making it an ideal meal to share with loved ones on any day. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Simple Beef Mechado Recipe is approachable, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to capture the true essence of beef mechado. Each one plays a special role, from the rich umami of the beef and soy sauce to the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a colorful and deeply flavorful experience.
- 1 lb beef, cut into cubes: Choose a cut like chuck for tender, flavorful meat that simmers beautifully.
- 1 onion, sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the stew.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a pungent and inviting fragrance that enhances every bite.
- 1 potato, peeled and diced: Introduces a soft, creamy texture that soaks up the savory sauce.
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Provides a slight crunch and a bright, fresh contrast.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: The heart of the stew’s rich, tangy base.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances depth of flavor and keeps the meat moist during cooking.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds savory, salty depth balancing the tomato’s acidity.
- 2 tbsp vinegar: Brings a gentle tang and tenderizes the meat.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to fine-tune the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Simple Beef Mechado Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a pot and gently sautéing the minced garlic and sliced onions until they are fragrant and translucent. This creates a flavorful foundation that will infuse the beef and sauce as they cook.
Step 2: Brown the Beef Cubes
Add the beef chunks to the pot and sear them on all sides until they develop a beautiful brown crust. Browning locks in the meat’s juices and heightens the stew’s rich flavor.
Step 3: Add the Liquid Ingredients and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, and vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the beef is well coated and the sauce starts to come together.
Step 4: Simmer the Beef Until Tender
Cover the pot and let the beef simmer over low heat for 1 to 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the flavors deepen and harmonize beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
Once the beef is tender, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and red bell pepper. Continue cooking until the vegetables are soft but still hold their shape, perfectly complementing the rich sauce and meat.
Step 6: Final Taste and Serve
Give your Simple Beef Mechado one last taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, garnished to your liking, and be ready to enjoy a true Filipino classic filled with warmth and heart.
How to Serve Simple Beef Mechado Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your beef mechado with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or spring onions adds a refreshing touch of color and a mild oniony crunch that elevates every spoonful. For an extra pop of flavor, try a squeeze of calamansi or a dash of cracked black pepper over the top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with steaming hot white rice, which soaks up that incredible, flavorful sauce beautifully. You can also serve it alongside garlic fried rice for a heartier meal or a simple garlic sautéed greens dish for a fresh balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends? Serve this beef mechado in rustic individual bowls topped with colorful vegetables arranged artfully. Alternatively, you could ladle it generously over fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist or even pile it atop buttered noodles for a crowd-pleasing variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef mechado tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to mingle. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is a great option. Let the mechado cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, and it will stay good for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your beef mechado gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain even warmth. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much to bring back its perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can use brisket or round as alternatives. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut’s toughness.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Definitely! If you enjoy a little heat, add sliced chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions. This adds a lovely warmth without overpowering the classic flavor.
Can I substitute vinegar with something else?
If you don’t have vinegar on hand, calamansi juice or lemon juice are excellent substitutes, offering a similar tanginess that brightens the stew and helps tenderize the meat.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce for beef mechado should be thick enough to coat the meat and vegetables nicely but still saucy enough to spoon over rice. If it seems too watery, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it down.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender. Add the vegetables in the last hour to keep them from getting mushy.
Final Thoughts
Making this Simple Beef Mechado Recipe is like inviting a little warmth and comfort into your kitchen. Its rich flavors, tender beef, and vibrant vegetables come together in a way that’s both satisfying and accessible. Give it a try—and soon you’ll understand why it’s beloved by so many. It’s more than a meal; it’s a lovely experience to share with those you care about.
Print
Simple Beef Mechado Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Simple Beef Mechado is a classic Filipino stew featuring tender beef cubes simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with soy sauce and vinegar, enriched with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. This comforting dish brings together savory and tangy flavors perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Liquids
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides to develop flavor, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer beef: Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently over low heat for 1 to 2 hours, or until the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
- Add vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and red bell pepper to the pot. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Once the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, serve the beef mechado hot with steamed rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in the soy sauce and vinegar for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the beef cut to ensure tenderness.
- You can add bay leaves for extra aroma.
- Potatoes can be substituted with sweet potatoes for a different taste.
- To thicken the sauce, simmer uncovered and stir occasionally.
