Beef Mechado
A hearty and comforting Filipino beef stew that brings nostalgia and warmth with simple ingredients.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chunks Choose beef with some fat for better flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic Minced.
- 1/2 large onion Chopped.
- 1 cup tomato sauce Canned is preferred for old-school flavor.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce Adjust to taste.
- 2 bay leaves Optional, but recommended.
- 2 medium potatoes Peeled and chopped.
- 2 medium carrots Peeled and chopped.
- 1 tbsp calamansi or lemon juice For a little kick - optional.
- 1 cup water To cover the meat during cooking.
Instructions
Cooking Beef
- Fry the beef chunks in a little oil until browned on the sides.
- Transfer the browned beef into a pot.
Cooking Aromatics and Sauce
- In the same pan, cook the garlic and onion for one minute until soft.
- Add the tomato sauce, soy sauce, bay leaves, and water to the pot with beef.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1-2 hours.
Finishing Touches
- Once the beef is tender, add the potatoes and carrots to the pot.
- Continue simmering until the vegetables are soft and the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, possibly adding more soy sauce or lemon.
Notes
The stew tastes even better if reheated after a few hours or the next day. Make sure to serve with rice.