Authentic Filipino Beef Mechado (Tender & Flavorful Braised Beef Stew)

Craving something warm, hearty, and deeply comforting? Look no further than Beef Mechado, a classic Filipino beef stew slow-braised in tomato sauce with soy, citrus, and aromatic spices. Tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection alongside potatoes and carrots make this dish a true comfort food staple across Filipino households.

What makes Beef Mechado stand out from other stews is its unique combination of Spanish and Filipino influences — with bold flavors coming from calamansi or lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Traditionally served with steamed rice, it’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day.

 Ingredients & Why They Matter

For the Marinade:

• 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket (cut into 2-inch cubes) – Best cuts for slow cooking; they become incredibly tender and flavorful.

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness.

• 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lemon juice) – Brightens the flavor and tenderizes the beef.

• 4 cloves garlic (minced) – Aromatic and essential in Filipino cooking.

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth.

For the Stew:

• 2 tablespoons oil – Used for browning the meat and sautéing aromatics.

• 1 onion (chopped) – Builds flavor at the base of the stew.

• 2 cups beef broth – Deepens the savory taste.

• 1 cup tomato sauce – The signature ingredient for Mechado’s tangy red sauce.

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Adds richness and a deeper tomato flavor.

• 1 bay leaf – Brings subtle earthiness to the dish.

• 2 medium potatoes (peeled and quartered) – Absorb flavor and add heartiness.

• 2 carrots (cut into chunks) – Add color, sweetness, and texture.

• 1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips) – Optional, but adds a sweet pop and visual appeal.

• Salt and pepper to taste – Adjusted at the end to bring the flavors into balance.

 How to Make Beef Mechado (Step-by-Step)

 1. Marinate the Beef

• In a large bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, and pepper.

• Mix well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

 2. Brown the Beef

• Heat oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

• Remove beef from marinade (reserve the marinade) and brown on all sides. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.

• Set the browned beef aside.

 3. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, reduce heat to medium.

• Sauté onions until translucent and fragrant.

 4. Build the Stew

• Return the beef to the pot.

• Add the reserved marinade, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.

• Drop in the bay leaf.

• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.

 5. Simmer Until Tender

• Let the stew simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, or until beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally and add water or broth if the sauce reduces too much.

 6. Add the Vegetables

• Add potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper (if using).

• Simmer uncovered for another 20–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

 7. Season & Serve

• Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

• Remove bay leaf before serving.

 Why This Recipe Works

• Marinated beef = deeper flavor from the inside out.

• Slow-braising ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

• Balanced sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that develop over time.

• One-pot wonder that’s even better the next day!

 Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Mechado

• Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to maintain even heat during long cooking.

• Don’t rush the simmering — low and slow is key to tender beef.

• Want a richer sauce? Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.

• For extra flavor, add a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

 Serving Suggestions

Serve your Beef Mechado with:

• Steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice

• A side of pandesal or crusty bread to mop up the sauce

• Sauteed greens like kangkong (water spinach) or bok choy for a healthy touch

• Pair with an ice-cold San Miguel beer or calamansi juice

 Final Thoughts: A Classic Filipino Dish Worth Mastering

This Beef Mechado recipe is more than just a stew — it’s a warm, comforting meal that brings families together and showcases the beauty of Filipino home cooking. With bold flavors, tender meat, and rich tomato sauce, it’s no surprise that this dish remains a Filipino culinary classic.

Whether you’re making it for Sunday lunch, a dinner party, or a taste of home, Beef Mechado is a guaranteed favorite that keeps getting better every time you make it.