🌶️ Rich and Savory Chili Colorado Braised Beef with Fluffy White Rice
Bold flavors, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and a rich, smoky red chili sauce—this classic Mexican comfort dish is the ultimate cold-weather soul food.
If you’re craving something deeply satisfying, look no further than Chili Colorado—a slow-braised beef stew made with dried chilies, aromatic spices, and tender beef chunks that simmer to perfection. Served over fluffy white rice and topped with queso fresco, it’s a meal that delivers comfort and depth in every bite.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 dried ancho chilies, seeded and soaked
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, seeded and soaked
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Chili Sauce
After soaking the dried chilies in warm water until softened (about 15 minutes), drain them.
In a blender, combine the chilies with:
- crushed tomatoes
- chili powder
- cumin
- smoked paprika
- oregano
- a splash of beef broth
Blend until smooth and rich in color. Set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef chunks in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Sear until all sides are deeply browned (about 2–3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and sauté chopped onions until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Braise the Beef
Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the blended chili sauce and remaining beef broth.
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Bring to a low simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low.
Let it cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is rich and slightly thickened.
5. Assemble and Serve
Fluff your freshly cooked white rice and spoon it onto plates or shallow bowls.
Top with generous portions of the braised beef and ladle on the chili sauce.
Finish with crumbled queso fresco and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for brightness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:
- Warm corn tortillas or crusty bread for scooping
- A side of refried beans or a green salad
- Pickled red onions or sliced avocado for contrast
🌟 Pro Tips
- For a smoother sauce: Strain the blended chili mixture before adding it to the pot.
- Make it ahead: Chili Colorado tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder if you like more heat.
📋 Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~620 kcal
- Servings: 6 generous portions
Chili Colorado is more than a recipe—it’s a comforting ritual of rich aroma, long-simmered love, and vibrant flavors rooted in Mexican tradition. Whether for a cozy family dinner or an impressive weekend meal, this dish is sure to win hearts and satisfy every craving. 💥
