There’s something special about a pot of Mexican-Style Braised Beef, or Carne en Su Jugo, simmering on the stove. The layers of flavor—smoky bacon, seared beef, tangy tomatillo, spicy serrano, and creamy pinto beans—blend together into a hearty and comforting dish that tastes like home.
This regional classic from Jalisco, Mexico, is perfect for feeding family and friends. Its green broth is lighter than most stews but still full-bodied and satisfying. Serve it topped with crisp onion, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a wedge of lime. It’s best enjoyed with warm tortillas or crusty bread to scoop up every flavorful bite.
Full Reciope
Ingredients:
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1 ½ lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced or finely chopped
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6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
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2 fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed
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2 cloves garlic
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1 small white onion, chopped
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2 serrano peppers (or to taste)
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1 ½ cups beef broth
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¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
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1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Cooking oil (optional)
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Chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for garnish
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Optional toppings: sliced avocado, radish rounds, tortillas on the side
Directions:
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In a large pot over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
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Add chopped beef to the pot. Cook until browned and juices release. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
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In a blender, combine tomatillos, garlic, serrano peppers, onion, cilantro, and beef broth. Blend until smooth.
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Pour the green sauce into the same pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Stir well. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes on low heat, until meat is tender and infused with flavor.
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Stir in the pinto beans and simmer for 5 more minutes. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Optional: top with avocado and sliced radishes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Mexican-Style Braised Beef
Mexican-Style Braised Beef, commonly known as Carne en Su Jugo, is a traditional dish that originates from the Jalisco region of Mexico. This comforting stew is beloved for its rich layers of flavor and its unique combination of ingredients that come together in a green tomatillo broth. Unlike heavier stews, this dish balances heartiness with a fresh and slightly tangy flavor profile, making it both satisfying and bright on the palate. It’s a wonderful example of how simple, humble ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary when cooked with care and tradition.
The Origins and Cultural Significance
Carne en Su Jugo literally translates to “meat in its juice,” which perfectly describes the cooking technique and the essence of this dish. The dish’s roots lie deep in Mexican culinary history, particularly within Jalisco, where the use of tomatillos and serrano peppers is widespread. This region is known for its vibrant, fresh flavors, and this stew encapsulates those culinary traits with its fresh green broth. Traditionally, it’s served during family gatherings and special occasions, embodying a sense of community and warmth. The dish celebrates the natural juices released from the beef during cooking, complemented by the acidity of tomatillos and the smoky richness of bacon.
The Flavor Profile and Ingredients
One of the most captivating aspects of Mexican-Style Braised Beef is its intricate flavor profile. The base of the dish is a green sauce made from tomatillos and serrano peppers. Tomatillos contribute a tangy, slightly citrusy note, while serrano peppers add a gentle heat that awakens the senses without overwhelming the dish. The inclusion of fresh cilantro gives a fragrant, herbaceous lift that brightens the broth even further.
The meat, usually thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak, is browned together with chopped bacon, adding layers of smokiness and depth. This combination of seared beef and bacon fat infuses the broth with savory richness. Pinto beans added towards the end contribute a creamy texture and additional heartiness, making this stew not just flavorful but filling.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
The success of this dish lies in its cooking technique. Searing the beef and bacon first is crucial because it creates a complex foundation of flavor through caramelization and rendered fat. This step ensures the broth is deeply savory, with rich undertones. The green sauce, blended from tomatillos, serrano peppers, onion, and garlic, is then simmered with the meat to meld all the flavors together.
Slow simmering is important to tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to marry perfectly. It also gives the broth time to develop its slightly thickened texture, making it ideal for scooping up with tortillas or crusty bread. The pinto beans are stirred in towards the end to maintain their shape and texture, providing contrast to the tender beef.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
Mexican-Style Braised Beef is traditionally served hot, garnished with fresh diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. The acidity of the lime brightens every bite and balances the richness of the stew. Additional toppings like sliced avocado and radish rounds add creaminess and crunch, enhancing both the taste and presentation.
Warm corn or flour tortillas are a classic accompaniment, perfect for dipping into the broth and savoring the tender meat. Some also enjoy this dish alongside steamed rice, which helps soak up the flavorful juices. For an authentic experience, serve it with a side of Mexican pickled vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the savory stew.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish offers a hearty, balanced meal with a good mix of protein from the beef and bacon and fiber from the pinto beans. Tomatillos provide vitamin C and antioxidants, while fresh cilantro contributes vitamins and minerals that support digestion and overall health. Using lean cuts of beef helps keep the dish from becoming overly heavy, while the slow cooking process enhances nutrient absorption.
Though it includes bacon for flavor, the amount is moderate, and the dish can be adapted by reducing or omitting bacon to make it lighter. The broth-based nature of the stew also makes it a more balanced option compared to cream-based or heavy sauces often found in other meat dishes.
Variations and Adaptations
One of the beauties of Mexican-Style Braised Beef is its versatility. You can easily customize it to fit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability. For a spicier version, add extra serrano peppers or substitute with jalapeños. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili or remove the seeds.
Vegetarian versions can be made by omitting the beef and bacon and increasing the beans and tomatillo sauce. Adding vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms can also add more texture and flavor. For a gluten-free option, ensure that your beef broth and other ingredients contain no gluten additives.
This dish is also ideal for making ahead and reheating, as the flavors tend to deepen and improve after resting overnight.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Unlike many beef stews, Carne en Su Jugo offers a vibrant twist with its fresh green sauce and combination of smoky and tangy notes. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and refined — simple to prepare but with complex flavors that linger. Its roots in Mexican tradition give it a story and soul, perfect for those who appreciate authentic cuisine.
The use of tomatillos sets it apart from typical tomato-based stews, bringing a brightness that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. This makes it a great choice year-round but especially comforting on cooler days. The melding of tender beef, smoky bacon, and the fresh tang of the broth is an experience that satisfies cravings and nourishes the soul.
Conclusion
Mexican-Style Braised Beef, or Carne en Su Jugo, is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of tradition, flavor, and community. Its vibrant tomatillo broth, tender beef, and smoky bacon come together to create a dish that is both comforting and refreshing. Whether you are familiar with Mexican cuisine or discovering it for the first time, this recipe offers a unique taste of Jalisco’s culinary heritage.
Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this stew embodies warmth and togetherness. Its balance of rich and bright flavors makes it a standout on any table, while its adaptability means it can be enjoyed in many forms. Cooking and sharing this dish is a wonderful way to connect with the authentic flavors of Mexico, making every bite a delicious journey.
