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Mechado (Filipino Beef Stew)

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Filipino
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A rich and hearty Filipino beef stew made with tender beef chunks, potatoes, and carrots in a savory tomato-soy sauce with a citrus twist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast or brisket, cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons calamansi juice or lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 large potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned. Set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic and onion in the same pot until softened.
  4. Return beef to the pot and add soy sauce, calamansi juice, tomato sauce, broth, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender.
  6. Add potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper. Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes or until vegetables are soft and sauce thickens.
  7. Adjust seasoning, discard bay leaves, and serve hot over rice.

Notes

  • Sear the beef for better flavor.
  • Use fresh calamansi if available for authentic taste.
  • Let rest before serving for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: filipino beef stew, mechado, beef mechado, comfort food, tomato beef stew