Chile Colorado

If you’ve been looking for a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that’ll knock your socks off, Chile Colorado is what you need in your life. This is a Mexican classic that brings together tender pieces of beef simmered in a rich red chili sauce that’s nothing short of magical. The deep, smoky flavors from the dried chiles are complemented by aromatic garlic, onions, and spices, creating a dish that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even served over rice. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this vibrant, hearty dish that’s packed with layers of bold flavors!

Why You’ll Love Chile Colorado

Chile Colorado is a dish that brings the warmth and soul of Mexican cooking to your table. Here’s why it’s sure to become a favorite:

Bold & Flavorful

The combination of dried chiles, garlic, and onions creates a deep, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce that’s rich in flavor. It’s a party of flavors in every bite.

Tender Beef

The beef is slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing all the savory goodness of the chile sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’ll leave you wanting more.

Versatile

Chile Colorado is incredibly versatile. You can use it in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or just serve it with a side of rice and beans. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

With a handful of simple ingredients, you can make a restaurant-quality dish right at home. It’s all about the technique and the wonderful chile sauce that makes this dish unforgettable.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Chile Colorado:

For the Beef:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)

For the Chile Colorado Sauce:

• 5 dried ancho chiles
• 3 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried pasilla chiles (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for a touch of warmth)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sautéing)

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this comforting Chile Colorado:

Step 1: Toast the Dried Chiles

Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. In a large skillet, heat on medium-low and toast the chiles for about 1-2 minutes, pressing them down with a spatula or tongs until they’re aromatic. Don’t overdo it, or they can become bitter.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Once toasted, place the chiles in a heatproof bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 20-30 minutes to soften. Afterward, drain the water and transfer the chiles to a blender. Add the garlic, onion, beef broth, cumin, oregano, cloves, vinegar, and sugar (if using). Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring it gets a nice sear. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef in the Sauce

In the same pot, pour in the chile sauce and bring to a simmer. Return the browned beef to the pot and stir to coat it in the sauce. Cover and cook over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and has absorbed all those rich flavors.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

Check the beef for tenderness. If it’s not quite there, let it simmer a little longer. If the sauce looks too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Once it’s tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Chile Colorado with warm corn tortillas, rice, or beans. You can also top it with some cilantro and lime wedges for added freshness.

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 780mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 44g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Chile Colorado

Here are a few ways to enjoy this rich and savory Chile Colorado:

In Tacos

Spoon the Chile Colorado beef into warm corn tortillas and top with cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime for a perfect taco.

Over Rice

Serve the beef and sauce over a bed of steamed rice for a hearty and comforting meal.

In Burritos

Roll the beef into large flour tortillas with some cheese, sour cream, and guacamole for a delicious burrito.

With Beans

Serve with a side of refried beans or black beans to add a nice balance to the meal.

As a Stew

Serve the Chile Colorado as a rich, comforting stew with a side of warm bread to soak up that savory sauce.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Chile Colorado even better:

• Adjust the spice level: If you want more heat, add a couple of dried arbol chiles to the sauce, or serve with a spicy salsa on the side.
• Add veggies: Try adding bell peppers, potatoes, or carrots to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
• Slow-cook the beef: For even more tender beef, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Brown the beef, then combine it with the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
• Make it ahead: Chile Colorado tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Chile Colorado tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

Q2: Can I make this dish with chicken instead of beef?
A2: Yes! You can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts instead of beef. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure the chicken is fully cooked.

Q3: Can I make Chile Colorado in the slow cooker?
A3: Yes! After browning the beef, place it in a slow cooker along with the sauce. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.

Q4: What can I serve with Chile Colorado?
A4: Serve it with rice, beans, or in tacos or burritos for a complete meal. Corn tortillas work great to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Q5: Is Chile Colorado spicy?
A5: It has a mild to medium level of heat, depending on the dried chiles you use. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes or hot chiles.

Q6: Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
A6: Yes, you can use other stew meat or brisket for a slightly different texture, but beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness.

Q7: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A7: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken it, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to achieve a thicker consistency.

Q8: Can I freeze Chile Colorado?
A8: Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A9: Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes for extra flavor and texture.

Q10: Can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Yes! To add more heat, try adding arbol chiles, jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce.

Conclusion

Chile Colorado is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fiesta with friends. The tender beef, bold chile sauce, and the mix of spices create a dish that’s comforting, savory, and sure to impress everyone at the table. Whether you serve it in tacos, with rice, or in a hearty burrito, this dish will have you coming back for seconds. Enjoy the deep, smoky flavors of this Mexican classic, and savor every bite!

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