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Beef Mechado

Prep 20 min
Cook 2 hrs
Servings 6
Difficulty Medium
Recipe by Nanay Rosa |

Beef Mechado

Rich Tomato-Based Filipino Beef Stew

Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 2 hrs
Servings 6
Difficulty Medium
Beef Mechado

About This Recipe

Beef Mechado is a beloved Filipino stew with Spanish origins, featuring tender beef braised in a rich tomato-based sauce. The name comes from the Spanish word "mecha" meaning wick, referring to the traditional method of larding beef with pork fat before cooking. Today's version is simpler but equally delicious, with the meat slowly braised until it absorbs all the savory-sweet tomato sauce.

What makes mechado special is the balance of flavors - the acidity of tomatoes, the umami of soy sauce, and the sweetness of the braising liquid all come together to create a deeply satisfying dish that's perfect over steaming white rice.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck or round, cut into chunks
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, quartered
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup calamansi or lemon juice
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Marinate the Beef

    Combine beef with soy sauce and calamansi juice. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

  2. 2

    Brown the Beef

    Remove beef from marinade, reserve the liquid. Heat oil in a pot over high heat. Brown beef on all sides in batches, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Sauté Aromatics

    In the same pot, sauté garlic and onion until softened. Add fresh tomatoes and cook until they break down, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Braise the Beef

    Return beef to pot. Add tomato sauce, reserved marinade, beef broth, bay leaves, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beef is tender.

  5. 5

    Add Potatoes and Finish

    Add potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The sauce should be thick and rich. Serve hot with rice.

Tips & Variations

Fresh Tomatoes

Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also add tomato paste for extra richness.

Pork Mechado

Try this recipe with pork shoulder or belly for a fattier, equally delicious version.

More Vegetables

Add carrots, bell peppers, or green peas in the last 20 minutes of cooking.