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Chile Colorado

Chile Colorado

An authentic Chile Colorado recipe featuring tender beef in a rich chili sauce, perfect for serving in tortillas or with rice.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 7 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium heavy-bottomed pot
  • blender

Ingredients
  

For the chile

  • 5 pieces dried ancho chilis
  • 2 pieces dried pasilla chilis
  • 3 pieces dried guajillo or New Mexican chilis
  • 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth about 4 cups, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2.5 pounds boneless beef chuck or chuck shoulder roast
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided, plus more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as vegetable or canola
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 pieces bay leaves
  • 2 cups water

Serving options

  • 2 pieces medium limes
  • 4 pieces medium radishes
  • 10 sprigs fresh cilantro
  • 12 to 16 pieces small flour tortillas about 6-inch
  • Cooked rice see cooking instructions

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Remove the stems and seeds from 5 dried ancho, 2 dried pasilla, and 3 guajillo chilis. Coarsely chop 1 medium yellow onion and 3 garlic cloves.
  • Add 2 cups of the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, cover, and let steep until the chilis are softened and plump, about 25 minutes.
  • Trim 1 (2 ½-pound) boneless beef chuck or chuck shoulder roast of any gristle and cut into ½-inch pieces. Season with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt.

Cooking

  • Transfer the chili mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in the now-empty pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the beef in a single layer and sear undisturbed until the bottom of the beef develops a dark brown crust, about 4 minutes. Stir and continue cooking until browned all over, about 4 minutes more.
  • Transfer to a plate. Repeat searing the remaining beef. Return the first batch of beef to the pot.
  • Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 2 bay leaves. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the remaining 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups water, and remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Scrape up any browned bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Add the chili mixture and simmer until beef is tender and the sauce is thickened and a deep reddish brown, about 45 minutes more.
  • About 15 minutes before the chile is ready, prepare the toppings and tortillas: Cut 2 medium limes into wedges. Thinly slice 4 radishes. Pick the leaves and tender stems from 10 fresh cilantro sprigs.
  • Cook rice or warm 12 to 16 small flour tortillas one at a time by holding them directly over a medium flame on a gas stove, or in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until charred in spots and pliable.
  • Stack and wrap in a clean kitchen towel or aluminum foil to keep warm.
  • Remove the pot from the heat. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed.
  • Serve with rice or spoon the chile into the tortillas and top with the radishes, cilantro, and lime juice.

Notes

Chile Colorado can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water as needed to thin out the sauce. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 22gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg
Keyword beef, Chile Colorado, chili, comfort food, stew, Tortillas
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