Description
Caldillo (Mexican Beef Stew) is a cozy, rustic dish bursting with authentic Mexican flavor. Tender halal beef braises with potatoes in a bright green tomatillo sauce, delivering hearty, comforting warmth in every bite. Aromatic onion, garlic, cumin, and oregano deepen the stew, while cilantro adds a fresh finish. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings—serve with tortillas, rice, or bolillo for a complete, flavor-packed meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs halal beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- For the green sauce:
- 6–8 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 2 jalapeños or serranos (seeded for mild)
- ½ cup cilantro
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add beef, season with salt and pepper, and sear until browned on all sides.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Meanwhile, make the green sauce: simmer tomatillos and jalapeños in water for 5–6 minutes until softened, then blend with cilantro, onion, garlic, and 1 cup beef broth until smooth.
- Pour the green sauce into the pot with the beef. Add cumin and oregano, stirring well.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes.
- Add potatoes and continue cooking for 25–30 minutes until potatoes and beef are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve warm with tortillas, rice, or bolillo bread.
Notes
- Tomatillos and peppers can be adjusted for heat level; seed more for milder flavor or keep seeds for extra heat.
- Use beef broth for a richer sauce; water can be used as a lighter option.
- Leftovers reheat well and flavors deepen overnight; freezes may affect potato texture.
- Best with warm tortillas, rice, or bolillo bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: Approx. 420
- Sugar: Approx. 8 g
- Sodium: Approx. 520 mg
- Fat: Approx. 24 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 34 g
- Fiber: Approx. 6 g
- Protein: Approx. 28 g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 110 mg
Keywords: Caldillo, Mexican beef stew, halal beef, green sauce, tomatillos, jalapeño, cilantro, potatoes, weeknight dinner, authentic Mexican, comfort food