Mexican Beef Chile Verde is a flavorful and hearty dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. Tender beef is simmered in a tangy green sauce made from tomatillos, jalapeños, and spices. This dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep, and can be served with warm tortillas, rice, or beans for a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion (chopped)

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 jalapeño peppers (diced, seeds removed for less heat)

• 2 cups tomatillos (husked and chopped)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

• Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the jalapeños, and husk and chop the tomatillos.

2. Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In the same pot, sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and jalapeños and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the tomatillos, chicken broth, cumin, and oregano. Bring to a boil.

4. Combine: Add the browned beef back into the pot, season with salt and pepper, and stir well.

5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Nutrients

Each serving of Mexican Beef Chile Verde provides a hearty balance of protein and essential nutrients:

• Calories: 320

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 14g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 600-800mg (can be adjusted using low-sodium broth)

• Cholesterol: 85mg

Why Choose Beef Chuck for This Recipe?

Beef chuck is the perfect cut of meat for this dish because it’s both flavorful and budget-friendly. When cooked slowly, beef chuck becomes incredibly tender, making it ideal for simmering in a flavorful sauce. The meat holds up well in this long cooking process, absorbing the rich, tangy flavors of the tomatillo sauce. Its marbled fat ensures that the beef remains juicy and tender, providing a melt-in-your-mouth texture that enhances the overall dish.

The chuck’s deep flavor also complements the bold spices used in the sauce, creating a satisfying contrast to the tangy brightness of the tomatillos. This makes it the ideal cut for a dish like Chile Verde, where the meat must stand up to strong flavors without being overwhelmed by them.

The Importance of Tomatillos in Chile Verde

Tomatillos are the key ingredient in the green sauce that defines this dish. Native to Mexico, tomatillos are small, round fruits with a tart flavor that is less acidic than tomatoes. When cooked, they soften and release a unique tanginess that forms the backbone of the Chile Verde sauce. The natural tartness of the tomatillos complements the heat from the jalapeños and the earthy spices, providing a well-balanced flavor profile.

Besides their flavor, tomatillos are also packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re low in calories, making them an excellent addition to the dish. The bright green color of tomatillos gives the sauce a vibrant appearance, making this dish as visually appealing as it is flavorful.

Balancing Spice and Flavor with Jalapeños

Jalapeños are another key ingredient that adds heat and depth to the sauce. The heat level can be adjusted by removing the seeds and membranes from the peppers, as this is where most of the heat resides. Dicing the jalapeños and adding them to the pot allows the heat to infuse the sauce while still maintaining a manageable level of spiciness.

In addition to the heat, jalapeños bring a fresh, slightly grassy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the tomatillos. Their inclusion adds a layer of complexity to the dish, making it flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, additional jalapeños or even a different variety of chili peppers can be added to adjust the spice level to taste.

The Role of Spices and Herbs in Enhancing the Dish

The spices used in Mexican Beef Chile Verde are essential for rounding out the flavors and adding depth to the sauce. Ground cumin and dried oregano are two of the most commonly used spices in Mexican cuisine, and they add warmth and earthiness to the dish. Cumin, in particular, brings a smoky, slightly nutty flavor that works beautifully with the other ingredients.

Oregano adds a herby, slightly bitter note that balances the richness of the beef and the tanginess of the tomatillos. Together, these spices create a complex flavor profile that enhances every bite. The addition of fresh cilantro as a garnish not only adds color but also introduces a burst of freshness that brightens the dish and complements the deeper, richer flavors of the beef and sauce.

The Simmering Process: Infusing Flavor and Tenderizing the Beef

The slow-simmering process is crucial for achieving the tender texture of the beef and allowing the flavors to meld together. After browning the beef in olive oil, it is returned to the pot with the prepared sauce, where it will simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissue in the beef, making it incredibly tender and easy to shred.

During this time, the beef absorbs the flavors of the sauce, making each bite rich in flavor. The long cooking process also allows the spices and herbs to infuse the sauce, ensuring that every spoonful is packed with deep, savory flavor. The result is a dish where the beef is not only tender but also infused with the tangy, spicy, and earthy flavors of the Chile Verde sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Beef Chile Verde

Mexican Beef Chile Verde is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. Traditionally, it’s served with warm tortillas, allowing you to scoop up the flavorful beef and sauce for a satisfying bite. The tortillas also help balance the heat from the jalapeños, making the dish more approachable for those who prefer a milder flavor.

For a more filling meal, serve the Chile Verde with a side of rice and beans. The rice will absorb the sauce, creating a flavorful base that complements the beef, while the beans add an additional layer of protein and texture. Refried beans or black beans work especially well with this dish, providing a creamy contrast to the spicy sauce.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider serving the beef over a bed of greens or with a side of roasted vegetables. The freshness of the greens will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the beef and sauce. You could also use the beef as a topping for tacos or burritos, where it pairs beautifully with fresh salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

For those who prefer a more indulgent option, Mexican Beef Chile Verde can also be served with cheesy enchiladas or as a filling for quesadillas, where the creamy cheese helps balance the tangy and spicy flavors of the beef.

Health Benefits of Mexican Beef Chile Verde

This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a number of nutritional benefits. Beef chuck is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also provides important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which contribute to overall health.

Tomatillos are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes skin health. The jalapeños add capsaicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while also providing a boost to metabolism. The fresh cilantro garnish offers additional antioxidants and helps aid digestion, making the dish as healthful as it is delicious.

By using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling the amount of salt added, you can easily adjust the sodium content of the dish to suit your dietary needs. The result is a flavorful yet nutritious meal that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you’re looking to indulge or maintain a healthy eating plan.

Conclusion

Mexican Beef Chile Verde is a hearty, flavorful dish that showcases the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. The tender beef, simmered in a tangy green sauce made from tomatillos, jalapeños, and aromatic spices, creates a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether served with tortillas, rice, beans, or vegetables, this dish is versatile enough to suit any occasion. The slow simmering process ensures that the beef becomes tender and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce, while the fresh cilantro and lime wedges add the perfect finishing touches. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, Mexican Beef Chile Verde is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.