Ah yes 😄—Beef Mechado is a classic Filipino comfort stew! Tender beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, often with potatoes and carrots. Here’s a straightforward recipe you can make at home:
🥘 Beef Mechado (Filipino Tomato Beef Stew)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp calamansi juice or lemon juice (or vinegar)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned tomato sauce)
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 2 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2–3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt to taste
How to Make It
1. Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine beef cubes, soy sauce, and calamansi/lemon juice.
- Marinate at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
2. Brown the Beef
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Brown beef cubes in batches for extra flavor. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes (or tomato sauce) and cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Simmer the Stew
- Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth or water.
- Toss in bay leaves, pepper, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer 1.5–2 hours, or until beef is tender.
5. Add Vegetables
- Add potatoes and carrots. Continue simmering 20–30 minutes until vegetables are cooked and sauce thickens.
6. Season & Serve
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips for Authentic Flavor
- Use beef chuck or short ribs—these stay tender when stewed.
- Tomato paste or sauce adds richness if fresh tomatoes are too watery.
- A touch of sugar or honey balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Some recipes include pimentos or bell peppers for extra flavor.
If you want, I can also give a slow-cooker version of Beef Mechado that’s even easier—just dump and go, with incredibly tender beef.
Do you want me to do that?
