Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe

Name: Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 lbs. beef chuck; 6 guajillo chilies; 4 ancho chilies; 3 chile de arbol; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 1/2 cups beef broth; Corn tortillas for serving

Published: January 31, 2026

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors – The unique blend of guajillo, ancho, and chile de arbol chilies brings a depth of flavor that makes this stew unforgettable.
Easy to Prepare – With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create an impressive dish without the fuss.
Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it as a main dish with rice and tortillas or use it as a filling for tacos and burritos.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals on busy days.
Comforting Dish – This hearty stew warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven
Blender
Skillet
Slotted spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven – Ideal for slow-cooking the beef to ensure it’s tender and flavorful.
Blender – Creates a smooth sauce by blending the toasted chilies with other ingredients seamlessly.
Skillet – Perfect for toasting the dried chilies, enhancing their flavor before adding them to the stew.

Ingredients

Chile colorado is a flavorful Mexican stew featuring tender pieces of beef simmered in a spicy red chile sauce served with rice and tortillas.

For the Beef Stew

3 lbs. beef chuck
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon neutral oil
1 yellow onion, (chopped)
3 garlic cloves

For the Chile Sauce

6 guajillo chilies, (stems and seeds removed)
4 ancho chilies, (stems and seeds removed)
3 chile de arbol, (stems and seeds removed)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
2 1/2 cups beef broth
2 fresh bay leaves

For Serving

Corn tortillas, (warmed)
White onion, (diced)
Cilantro, (chopped)
Radishes, (sliced)
Lime wedges

How to Make Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Chilies

In a dry skillet, toast the dried chilies for 2-3 minutes while stirring often. Once they are fragrant, transfer them to a saucepan with chopped onion and garlic cloves. Cover with water and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes until the chilies soften.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the softened chilies along with onion and garlic into a blender. Add 1 cup of the soaking liquid along with cumin, coriander, oregano, and beef stock. Blend on high until very smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Beef

Cut the beef into 2-inch cubes. Season these cubes with salt and pepper before tossing them in flour. Heat your dutch oven over medium-high heat with oil. Once hot, place beef in a single layer to brown on all sides. You may need to do this in batches. After searing, remove any excess oil.

Step 4: Simmer Together

Return all browned beef back to the pot. Pour in enough prepared sauce to cover the beef completely; reserve extra sauce for future use by freezing it. Add bay leaves into the pot then cover it with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until the beef becomes very tender.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

Skim any oil from the surface before serving your delicious beef chile colorado alongside warm tortillas. Don’t forget additional toppings like diced white onions, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, and lime wedges!

How to Serve Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe

Serving your Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe is a delightful experience that enhances the flavors of this traditional dish. Pair it with the right accompaniments to elevate your meal.

With Warm Corn Tortillas

Freshly warmed corn tortillas are perfect for scooping up the beef and sauce, adding a comforting texture to each bite.

Topped with Diced White Onion

Chopped white onion adds a crunchy contrast and a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the stew.

Garnished with Chopped Cilantro

A sprinkle of chopped cilantro brings a vibrant touch, enhancing the overall taste and appearance of your dish.

Served with Lime Wedges

Squeezing fresh lime over the beef provides a zesty kick that complements the spices in the chile sauce.

Accompanied by Sliced Radishes

Crisp radish slices offer a refreshing crunch and slight pepperiness that contrasts nicely with the stew’s warmth.

With Mexican Rice

A side of fluffy Mexican rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.

How to Perfect Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe

To ensure your Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Quality Chilies: Select fresh guajillo and ancho chilies for maximum flavor. Their quality significantly affects the final taste of your sauce.
Let it Simmer: Allowing the beef to simmer for at least two hours will make it tender and fully infused with flavor.
Blend Smoothly: For a silky sauce, blend until very smooth, ensuring no chunks remain. This creates a rich consistency.
Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of chile de arbol used in your recipe without compromising flavor.
Store Extra Sauce: Any leftover sauce can be frozen for future meals. It’s great for quick weeknight dinners.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your dish right after cooking for optimal tenderness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the stew beautifully.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that pairs well with tortillas.
Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds richness and freshness, balancing out the spiciness of chile colorado.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder offers sweet and savory flavors.
Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime brightens up your plate with its acidity.
Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and lime zest adds freshness to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking the Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

Overcooking the Chilies: Toasting chilies is key, but overcooking can lead to bitterness. Keep an eye on them and remove them once fragrant.
Ignoring Beef Quality: Using tough cuts of beef will result in chewy meat. Always opt for quality chuck or brisket for tenderness.
Not Blending Smoothly: If your sauce is chunky, it won’t coat the beef well. Blend the chilies and aromatics until smooth for the best flavor.
Skipping Seasoning: Under-seasoning can dull flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper in your sauce.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold broth or oil can cause the beef to steam instead of sear. Always use room temperature ingredients for better browning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe

Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish for even reheating.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Stovetop: Simmer gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe.

How do I make my chile colorado spicier?

You can add more chile de arbol or use hotter varieties of chilies for an extra kick.

Can I substitute different types of beef?

Yes, you can use brisket or even pork if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time based on the cut.

What sides go well with Authentic Beef Chile Colorado?

Serve it with warm tortillas, rice, or beans. Fresh toppings like diced onions and cilantro enhance the dish.

How long should I simmer the beef?

Simmering for 2 hours ensures that the beef becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors from the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Beef Chile Colorado Recipe is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it by adjusting spices or adding vegetables. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s perfect for sharing!

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