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Step 1: Prepare the Chiles
- Stem and Seed the Chiles: Start by removing the stems and seeds from your dried ancho chiles. You can use kitchen scissors or your hands to carefully cut off the stem and shake out the seeds.
- Toast the Chiles: In a hot, dry skillet, briefly toast the chiles over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes. This brings out their smokiness and enhances their flavor. Be careful not to burn them—once they start to release their aroma, remove them from the heat.
- Rehydrate the Chiles: Place the toasted chiles into a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes until they become soft and pliable.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat, and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor and helps lock in the juices.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Chili Sauce
- Blend the Chiles: After the chiles have soaked and softened, remove them from the water and place them in a blender or food processor. Add the canned diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth, adding a small amount of the soaking liquid if needed to help blend the ingredients.
- Cook the Sauce: Pour the blended chili sauce back into the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
- Return the Beef: Add the browned beef stew meat back into the pot, along with any juices that may have accumulated. Pour in the beef broth (or water) and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer: Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If the stew thickens too much during cooking, feel free to add more broth or water as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the beef is tender and the flavors have had time to come together, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Carne con Chile with rice, tortillas, or beans, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a bright, zesty contrast.
Tips for Making the Best Carne con Chile:
- Choose the Right Beef Cut: For the best results, use beef cuts that are ideal for slow cooking, such as chuck roast, brisket, or round stew meat. These cuts become incredibly tender when simmered in a sauce, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Customize the Heat: If you like your Carne con Chile extra spicy, feel free to add a couple of dried arbol chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. If you prefer a milder version, stick to the ancho chiles, which provide a more subtle heat with deep, smoky flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Carne con Chile actually gets better the longer it sits! Feel free to make it a day ahead and let the stew rest in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently before serving to allow the flavors to develop further.
- For a Smokier Flavor: If you love the flavor of smoked chiles, you can add a bit of chipotle powder or a smoked paprika in place of regular paprika to give your stew that extra smoky depth.
- Add Vegetables: For extra heartiness, feel free to toss in diced potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers while the stew simmers.
Serving Suggestions:
Carne con Chile is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice or Mexican rice to soak up the rich sauce.
- Tortillas: Warm up some soft corn or flour tortillas for a fun and interactive meal. You can even use the tortillas to scoop up the beef and sauce, taco-style.
- Beans: Pair with traditional refried beans, black beans, or even pinto beans for a filling, satisfying meal.
- Guacamole and Salsa: A fresh bowl of guacamole and some tangy salsa will balance out the heat of the Carne con Chile.
Why You’ll Love Easy Carne con Chile:
Carne con Chile is the perfect dish for those who love bold, flavorful stews that are simple to make yet full of depth. With tender beef, rich chili sauce, and a variety of seasonings, this dish brings the heat and comfort in one satisfying bite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or looking to spice up your weekly meal rotation, this easy recipe offers the perfect balance of spice, savory beef, and rich, deep flavor.
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also an incredibly adaptable dish. You can adjust the heat, add extra veggies, or serve it with your favorite sides to create a dish that fits your tastes. So why not give this easy version of Carne con Chile a try? It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Enjoy!
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