Beef Mechado is a tomato-based stew popular in the Philippines. It is a Spanish-influenced dish. The ingredients are similar to kaldereta and afritada. It is perfect for lunch or dinner together with steamed rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 kg beef chuck, cubed
• 1 pc potato, sliced
• 1 pc carrot, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 pc large onion, sliced
• 2 pcs bay leaves (laurel)
• 3 pcs calamansi
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup water
• 3 tbsp cooking oil

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Cooking Instructions:

Step 1

Heat cooking oil in a pan. Add the garlic and onion. Sauté until fragrant.

Step 2

Add the beef. Cook for about 3 minutes or until it turns slightly brown.

Step 3

Add the tomato sauce and water. Simmer until the beef is tender. Add water as needed. (The cooking duration depends on the quality of your beef. It can take up to 1 hour to 2 hours.)

Step 4

Add the soy sauce, calamansi juice, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer until excess liquid evaporates.

Step 5

Add the potatoes and carrots. Cook until the potatoes are tender. Turn off the heat then transfer to a serving dish.

Step 6

Serve with steamed white rice and enjoy your Beef Mechado!

“There is no sincerer love than the love of food.”

–George Bernard Shaw

Try this delicious dish too: Beef Mami Recipe

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