Simple BEEF Mechado 

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step will lock in the beef’s flavors and create a rich base for your dish. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. This will add a fragrant base to your sauce.
3. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (including the juice). Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. These bits have so much flavor, and they will help deepen the sauce.
4. Simmer the Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the soy sauce, bay leaf, beef broth or water, and sugar. Stir everything together, making sure the beef is submerged in the liquid. Bring it to a simmer.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the pot and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the beef cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it becomes tender and the sauce has thickened. Check the beef periodically to make sure it’s not drying out—if it needs more liquid, just add a bit of water or broth.
6. Add the Vegetables (Optional): If you’re using potatoes, carrots, and green peas, add them to the pot about 30 minutes before the beef is done cooking. The potatoes and carrots will soften and absorb the flavors of the stew, making the dish even more hearty. If using bell pepper, you can add it toward the end of cooking for extra color and crunch.
7. Taste and Season: Once the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, taste the sauce. Add salt, pepper, and more sugar if needed to balance the flavors. If you want a richer flavor, feel free to add a little extra soy sauce.
8. Serve: Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the Beef Mechado hot with steamed white rice. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of sliced red bell pepper for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Why This is the Perfect Simple Beef Mechado

1. Rich, Savory Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, tomatoes, and beef broth creates a savory, slightly tangy sauce that perfectly complements the tender beef. The sweetness from the sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, making each bite mouthwatering.
2. Tender Beef: Slow cooking is the key to making the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender. The beef chuck or brisket breaks down over time, becoming incredibly juicy and soft.
3. Minimal Effort: This version of Beef Mechado keeps things simple with a few essential ingredients. You don’t need to gather a long list of spices or spend hours in the kitchen. The results are still spectacular.
4. Versatility: You can adjust this recipe based on what you have in your kitchen. If you prefer different vegetables, you can add them to suit your taste. The recipe is highly customizable to your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

• With Steamed Rice: As with most Filipino stews, Beef Mechado is best served with a bowl of hot, fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up the savory sauce, making each bite even more delicious.
• For a Heartier Meal: Add a side of pickled vegetables, like achara, to add some tang and crunch to balance out the rich flavors of the beef stew.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a fresh contrast, you can garnish your Beef Mechado with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions.

Tips for Making the Best Beef Mechado

• Use the Right Cut of Beef: For the best results, choose cuts of beef that are ideal for slow cooking, such as beef chuck or brisket. These cuts become tender and flavorful when simmered for a long period.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your Beef Mechado to be a little sweeter, feel free to add more sugar. On the other hand, if you prefer a savory flavor, reduce the sugar or leave it out altogether.
• Make Ahead: Beef Mechado tastes even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop and meld, so consider making it ahead of time for an even richer meal.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, you can add some chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to your beef stew for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Simple Beef Mechado is the perfect Filipino comfort food—rich, hearty, and flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. The slow-cooked beef, tender vegetables, and savory tomato-based sauce make for a mouthwatering meal that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this Simple Beef Mechado will surely become a new favorite in your kitchen.