Transform your meal prep with this Ultimate Mexican Beef recipe

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Choosing the Right Beef
3. Trim the Fat
4. Infusing Mexican Flavors
5. The One-Pot Wonder
6. Adding Beans for Nutritional Boost
7. Making the Optional Pico de Gallo
8. Shredding the Meat
9. Guacamole Simplified
10. Final Seasoning and Serving Options
11. Transforming Leftovers into Tacos
12. Conclusion

🌮 The Ultimate Mexican Beef: A Game Changer for Your Meal Prep 🌯

Imagine a dish that effortlessly transforms into various mouth-watering forms. From hearty burrito bowls, classic tacos, to savory sandwiches and even a delightful pasta dish, the possibilities are endless with the ultimate Mexican beef recipe. Not only is it versatile, but it's also a real game changer for your meal prep routine. In this article, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating this delicious and satisfying dish. So, join us in the kitchen as we whip up this flavorful Mexican beef – you won't regret it!

Choosing the Right Beef

Before we dive into the cooking process, it's crucial to select the right cut of beef. For this recipe, we recommend using chuck steak with ample marbling. The marbling adds richness and flavor to the dish. However, if there's more fat than you prefer, trim off the excess. Start with approximately 3 pounds (1.4 kg) of beef, but keep in mind that after trimming the fat, the actual weight may be slightly less. Don't worry too much about the exact weight, as this recipe is forgiving and adapts well to variations in meat quantities.

Trim the Fat

To ensure a leaner and more tender result, it's essential to trim the excess fat from the beef. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove any visible fat from the meat. This step will not only improve the texture but also make the dish healthier. Once the fat has been trimmed, slice the beef into chunky pieces. The size of the pieces is not crucial since the beef will be shredded later during the cooking process.

Infusing Mexican Flavors

To infuse the beef with authentic Mexican flavors, it's time to bring in the spices. Start by adding dried oregano, which provides a mild lemony and peppery kick. Follow it up with coriander powder, allspice, and paprika. If you don't have these specific spices on hand, don't worry! You can use taco seasonings or similar blends as alternatives. These aromatic spices will add depth and complexity to the dish, transporting your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico.

The One-Pot Wonder

To make your cooking process hassle-free, this recipe is designed as a one-pot wonder. Grab a pressure cooker, or alternatively, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot like a stock pot or Dutch oven, or even a slow cooker. Heat a little olive oil in the pot and brown the seasoned meat in batches. This step helps to lock in the flavors, resulting in a more robust and succulent Mexican beef. Oh, don't forget to sprinkle some salt onto the meat during the browning process.

While the meat is browning, it's time to chop up a medium-sized onion. As the dish simmers, the onion will release its aromatic goodness and add a savory undertone to the overall flavor profile. After browning the meat, set it aside, and in the same pot, add a touch more olive oil. Throw in minced garlic and chopped onion, allowing them to sauté until fragrant and translucent. The combination of meat, garlic, and onion will create a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen with an irresistible Mexican scent.

Once the garlic and onion are cooked to perfection, add the browned meat back into the pot. For added moisture and depth of flavor, pour in half to one cup of beef or veggie stock. If you're using a normal pot, add a little more broth, approximately half a cup. To achieve a rich and robust sauce, incorporate a can of crushed tomatoes. The acidity from the tomatoes balances out the richness of the beef, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile. Remember to adjust the liquid levels accordingly if using a different cooking vessel.

Adding Beans for Nutritional Boost

For an added nutritional boost, we highly recommend incorporating beans into your Mexican beef. Not only do they provide essential nutrients, but they also help to stretch your protein dollars. During the cooking process, while the beef is simmering, drain two cans of black beans and rinse them until the water runs clear. Set the beans aside until they're ready to join the party. The beans will add a delightful texture and earthy flavor to the dish, making it even more satisfying.

Making the Optional Pico de Gallo

While the Mexican beef is cooking, this is the perfect time to whip up some optional pico de gallo. This fresh tomato salsa complements the flavors of the beef dish beautifully. Dice up two tomatoes and half a Spanish onion, reserving the other half for guacamole. Add a handful of chopped coriander (known as cilantro in some regions) and a dash of lime juice for that tangy zing. If you don't have lime on hand, lemon juice works just as well. Season the pico de gallo with salt and pepper, and voila! You have a vibrant and refreshing salsa to accompany your Mexican beef.