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Simple Beef Mechado with tender beef and rich sauce served in a bowl

Simple Beef Mechado

A classic Filipino stew that combines tender beef with vegetables and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1 kg beef chunks
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 piece lemon (juice)
  • Ground black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 2 pieces carrots sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes cubed
  • 1 large green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil for sautéing
  • 180 g tomato sauce
  • 1 cube beef broth
  • 1 piece Thai chili optional, adjust for spice
  • 4 pieces bay leaves
  • Water as needed

Method
 

Marination
  1. In a bowl, combine the beef, soy sauce, lemon juice, and ground black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 1 hour. Set aside the marinade sauce.
Cooking
  1. In a pan, heat some cooking oil. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
  2. Add the marinated beef to the pan and sauté for about a minute.
  3. Add the bay leaves and the marinade sauce. Stir everything together.
  4. Cover the pan and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. After 20 minutes, add the tomato sauce and mix well.
  6. Pour in 2 cups of water, then add the beef broth cube and Thai chili. Stir to combine.
  7. Cover the pan again and let it cook for 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. Feel free to add more water if it gets too thick.
  8. Once the beef is tender, add the carrots and potatoes. Cook until they are soft.
  9. Finally, add the bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.

Notes

Serve the Beef Mechado hot with steamed rice. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Ensure the beef is tender by cooking slowly, or use a pressure cooker. Adjust seasoning to taste.