Name: Savory Chile Colorado: 6 Steps to Comforting Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 pieces Guajillo chiles; 2 pieces Ancho chiles; 1 piece Árbol chile (use sparingly); 1 medium Yellow onion; 1 teaspoon Dried oregano; 3 cloves Garlic; 1 teaspoon Ground cumin; 2 pounds Beef stew meat (chuck shoulder or roast); 1/2 cup All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (divided); 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 4 cups Beef broth; 1 piece Bay leaf

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Chile Colorado is a comforting dish that warms the soul, especially during chilly evenings. This savory beef stew is enriched with a rich, flavorful red chile sauce that makes it irresistible. In this recipe, we will explore not only how to prepare this delightful meal but also the benefits of using authentic ingredients like dried red chile and ancho chile pepper. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create a delicious Chile Colorado that rivals any restaurant dish.

Why You’ll Love This Chile Colorado

This Chile Colorado beef stew is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

It’s packed with protein, making it a filling option for dinner.
The rich, smoky flavor from the red chile elevates the dish.
Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
It’s gluten-free, accommodating various dietary needs.
Leftovers taste even better the next day, enhancing the flavors.
Pair it with rice and beans for a complete meal.
It’s a great way to introduce authentic Colorado chile flavors into your cooking.

Ingredients for Chile Colorado

Gather these items:

4 pieces Guajillo chiles
2 pieces Ancho chiles
1 piece Árbol chile (use sparingly)
1 medium Yellow onion
1 teaspoon Dried oregano
3 cloves Garlic
1 teaspoon Ground cumin
2 pounds Beef stew meat (chuck shoulder or roast)
1/2 cup All-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Kosher salt (divided)
1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Olive oil
4 cups Beef broth
1 piece Bay leaf

How to Make Chile Colorado Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce: Start by adding the guajillo chiles, ancho chiles, árbol chile, and yellow onion into a medium pot. Cover them with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 20 minutes to soften.
Step 2: Blend it Smooth: Transfer the softened chiles and onion to a large blender. Include 1 cup of the chile-soaked water, oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, garlic, and cumin. Blend until everything is smooth, adding beef broth as needed for a creamy consistency. Set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Meat: In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with flour, the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. This prepares the beef for browning and adds flavor.
Step 4: Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half of the coated meat and brown it on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Transfer this browned beef into a bowl and repeat with the remaining meat.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients: Add all the browned beef back into the pot. Pour in the blended red chile sauce, beef broth, and bay leaf. Stir everything to combine, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 45 minutes or until the meat is tender.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce: Once cooked, uncover the pot, taste, and adjust with more salt if necessary. Raise the heat to medium and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken. If you prefer a thicker sauce, feel free to cook longer.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Discard the bay leaf and enjoy this delicious Chile Colorado with sides of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chile Colorado

Keep these in mind:

This dish pairs well with Mexican rice and beans.
Adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the árbol chile.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
For richer flavor, let it simmer longer to deepen the taste.

Best Ways to Serve Chile Colorado

Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:

Serve with warm tortillas to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Pair it with cilantro-lime rice for a refreshing contrast.
Top with diced onions and fresh cilantro for added freshness.

How to Store and Reheat Chile Colorado

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. This meal also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chile Colorado

What’s the secret to perfect Chile Colorado?

The secret lies in using high-quality dried red chile peppers. Allowing them to soak and blend well with the beef creates a rich flavor profile that defines this dish.

Can I make Chile Colorado ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat before serving for the best taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chile Colorado?

To avoid mistakes, ensure the chiles are softened properly before blending. Additionally, avoid overcooking the beef to maintain its tenderness.

Variations of Chile Colorado You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Substitute chicken for beef for a lighter dish.
Add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Try using different spicy red peppers for a unique twist on flavor.

For more tips on making the perfect stew, check out our guide on beef stews.

Savory Chile Colorado: 6 Steps to Comforting Beef Stew - Chile Colorado - additional detail

To learn more about the health benefits of chile peppers, check out this article.

For more information on how to properly store and reheat your dishes, visit our storage tips page.

Lastly, if you’re interested in exploring more variations, you can find additional recipes here.