Mechado A Filipino Beef Stew

Mechado is a classic Filipino beef stew known for its rich tomato-based sauce and tender chunks of beef. Infused with soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, and a variety of hearty vegetables, it’s a comforting dish perfect for family meals. This savory stew has a unique depth of flavor, thanks to its slow-cooked goodness and the traditional larding technique that gives it its signature taste.

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or brisket, cut into large chunks
• 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp calamansi juice or lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Beef

Return the seared beef to the pot. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, calamansi juice, and bay leaf. Stir well, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Once the beef is tender, add the carrots and potatoes. Cook for another 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Finish with Bell Peppers

Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the mechado into bowls and serve hot with steamed rice.

Notes

• Beef cuts: Use well-marbled cuts like chuck or brisket for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add green beans or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Calamansi substitute: If calamansi isn’t available, lemon or lime juice works well as a replacement.
• Thicker sauce: For a thicker stew, let the sauce reduce uncovered during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Mechado is a comforting Filipino stew that brings together bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this dish never fails to impress. Serve it over steamed rice, and you have a satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit!

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Mechado A Filipino Beef Stew

This hearty and savory Filipino beef stew, known as Mechado, is rich with flavors and perfect for a comfort meal.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 2.5 pounds beef chuck cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 large potatoes peeled and quartered
• 2 medium carrots sliced
• 1 large onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
• Add beef and cook until browned.
• Stir in tomato sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, and beef stock. Add bay leaves and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 hour.
• Add potatoes and carrots, cook until vegetables and meat are tender.

Notes

For a spicier version, add sliced chilies of your choice.