Hearty Chile Colorado Recipe: Rich Flavor in Every Bite

Savory chile colorado bursts with rich, deep flavors that instantly transport you to authentic Mexican kitchens.

Tender beef simmered in a robust red sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, blending smoky dried chilies with tender meat.

Regional spices dance across your palate, telling stories of traditional cooking techniques.

Slow-cooked and carefully seasoned, this recipe brings comfort and warmth to any meal.

Comfort meets culinary tradition in every single bite.

Dive into this delectable journey and let your taste buds celebrate.

What Makes Chile Colorado So Rich and Savory

• Craft Bold Mexican Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering journey of authentic Chile Colorado that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dish.
• Master Complex Techniques: Learn professional-level cooking skills by carefully toasting, soaking, and blending dried chilies to create a robust, restaurant-quality sauce.
• Perfect for Hearty Gatherings: Designed for meat lovers and crowd-pleasing meals, this recipe works brilliantly for family dinners, potlucks, and weekend celebrations.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows easy protein swaps between beef and pork, plus versatile serving options like rice, tacos, or tortilla accompaniments.

Everything Needed for Chile Colorado Night

• Dried Chilies: These are the heart of the Chile Colorado, providing deep, rich flavor and authentic Mexican taste.
• Beef or Pork: The primary protein that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in the spicy sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: These foundational ingredients add depth and complexity to the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Cumin, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the meat and chili sauce with traditional Mexican seasoning.

• Beef Broth, Tomato Paste, Apple Cider Vinegar: These components create a rich, balanced sauce that tenderizes the meat and provides moisture and tang.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for browning the meat and creating a flavorful base for the stew.

How to Cook Authentic Chile Colorado

Step 1: Prepare Dried Chilies

Remove stems and seeds from dried chilies. Warm them gently in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they release a fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Soak Chilies

Transfer toasted chilies to a bowl and cover completely with hot water. Allow them to steep and soften for 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Blend Chili Sauce

• Onion
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Beef broth

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Brown Meat

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add beef or pork chunks and sear until golden brown on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Meat

Pour the blended chili sauce over the browned meat.

• Remaining beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Apple cider vinegar

Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2-3 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and the sauce thickens nicely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Chile Colorado alongside rice or warm tortillas. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.

This hearty dish can also be used as a delicious taco filling.

Notes for Bold and Flavorful Chile Colorado

• Carefully heat dried chilies in a dry skillet until they release a rich, nutty aroma without burning, which enhances their deep flavor profile.
• Allow chilies to soften completely in hot water, ensuring they become plump and tender for a smooth, well-blended sauce with maximum flavor extraction.
• Brown meat chunks at high heat to seal in juices, then slow-cook on low temperature to break down tough fibers, creating melt-in-your-mouth protein.
• Adjust liquid levels during simmering to achieve desired thickness, using additional broth or reducing sauce to create the perfect rich, clinging texture.
• Choose fresh, pliable dried chilies without cracks or dust, which guarantee a more vibrant and authentic chile colorado experience.

Chile Colorado Variations to Try Next Time

• Chicken Colorado: Swap beef or pork with boneless chicken thighs for a lighter protein option. Follow the same cooking method and sauce preparation.
• Vegetarian Chile: Replace meat with chunky portobello mushrooms or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based version.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown meat first, then transfer to slow cooker with sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for ultra-tender meat and deeper flavor development.
• Spicy Green Chile Variation: Substitute dried red chilies with roasted green Hatch chilies for a tangy, bright flavor profile. Adjust spice levels by selecting mild or hot green chilies.

Pairings to Enjoy With Chile Colorado

A crisp, light beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico cuts through the rich, spicy flavors of Chile Colorado, refreshing the palate with each sip.

The bright citrus notes and slight tequila kick complement the deep, earthy chile sauce, balancing the robust meat’s intensity with a tangy brightness.

This side dish enhances the meal’s flavors, with the herb and citrus providing a fresh counterpoint to the hearty, spicy meat stew.

A smooth, cool avocado salsa adds a silky texture and mild flavor that softens the chile’s heat while adding a luxurious dimension to the dish.

Storing Chile Colorado for More Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the Chile Colorado to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent dryness.

FAQs

• What are the best types of dried chilies to use?

Guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chilies are ideal for Chile Colorado. They provide a rich, deep flavor without overwhelming heat, creating a balanced and authentic taste.

• Can I make Chile Colorado with chicken instead of beef?

While traditionally made with beef or pork, you can substitute chicken. However, the cooking time might be shorter, and the meat may not develop the same rich, tender texture as beef or pork.

• Is Chile Colorado very spicy?

The dish is more flavorful than fiery. By removing seeds and using specific dried chilies, you control the heat level. The result is usually a mild to medium spiciness that’s complex and savory.

Chile Colorado Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican chile colorado brings robust flavors dancing across your palate with tender beef simmered in rich, smoky red sauce. Spicy comfort beckons you to savor each comforting bite of this classic southwestern comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck or pork shoulder, cut into chunks

Chiles and Aromatics:

• 5–6 dried ancho chilies
• 2 dried guajillo chilies
• 2 dried pasilla chilies
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously eliminate stems and inner membranes from dried chilies, then gently toast them in an ungreased skillet at medium temperature for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
2. Submerge the toasted chilies in scalding water, allowing them to rehydrate and soften for approximately 20-30 minutes.
3. Carefully drain the plumped chilies and transfer to a blender. Incorporate aromatics like onion, garlic, and spices including cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add one cup of beef broth and puree until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Warm vegetable oil in a substantial cooking vessel over medium-high heat. Introduce meat chunks, searing thoroughly until developing a rich golden-brown exterior, roughly 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour the velvety chili sauce over browned meat, complementing with remaining beef broth, concentrated tomato paste, and tangy apple cider vinegar. Integrate ingredients uniformly.
6. Reduce flame to low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours, transforming tough meat fibers into succulent, tender morsels while concentrating sauce flavors.
7. Present the robust Chile Colorado alongside fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or as a delectable taco filling. Optional garnish of fresh cilantro adds vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Selecting chilies carefully ensures a robust, authentic flavor profile without overwhelming heat.
• Toasting dried chilies awakens their deep, complex aromatics and prevents a raw, bitter taste.
• Soaking chilies in hot water helps soften them completely and extract maximum flavor intensity.
• Blending sauce ingredients thoroughly creates a smooth, cohesive base that coats meat evenly.
• Browning meat before simmering develops rich caramelization and enhances overall dish depth.
• Slow cooking allows tough meat cuts to become incredibly tender and absorb sauce flavors completely.
• Low and slow simmering concentrates sauce, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that clings perfectly to meat.
• Consider using chuck roast or pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
• Gluten-free option: Replace tomato paste with pureed fresh tomatoes for diet flexibility.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours (or 3 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 363 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg