Description
Chile Colorado with Beef is a rich and hearty Southwestern dish featuring tender slow-cooked beef chuck roast simmered in a vibrant, smoky, and mildly spicy chili sauce. Infused with natural spices like guajillo chilies, paprika, and cumin, and thickened with a natural gelling agent, this comforting recipe delivers bold authentic flavors and a smooth velvety texture. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with tortillas, rice, or baked potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into cubes
- 5 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 3 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 4 smoked turkey slices (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (natural flavoring)
- 1 tbsp paprika (natural flavoring)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chilies: Remove stems and seeds from the dried guajillo chilies, then soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until soft. This softening releases their deep flavors and makes them easier to blend into a smooth sauce.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, garlic cloves, chopped onion, paprika, ground cumin, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Blend until you achieve a smooth, vibrant red sauce which will be the base of the dish.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a small amount of fat rendered from the smoked turkey bacon. Sear the beef chuck roast cubes in the pan until browned on all sides, sealing in the juices and enhancing depth of flavor.
- Combine and Simmer: Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot. Pour the chili sauce over the beef, then sprinkle in the natural gelling agent. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is very tender and the sauce thickens to a velvety texture.
- Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt or additional spice if desired. Stir in the smoked turkey slices for added smoky flavor and allow them to warm through before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh dried chilies to ensure the most vibrant color and flavor.
- Sear the beef well to build a rich, deep flavor base for the sauce.
- Do not skip soaking the chilies to get a smooth, grit-free sauce.
- Cook the beef slowly at low heat to ensure it becomes tender and juicy.
- Add the natural gelling agent gradually to reach your preferred sauce thickness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Chile Colorado, beef recipe, southwestern cuisine, slow cooker beef, smoky chili sauce
