Deeply savory, fall-apart tender, and bursting with smoky heat—this braised beef in ancho chile sauce is a flavor-packed dish made for gatherings and weeknight comfort alike. Perfect for taco nights or serving alongside classic Mexican sides, this dish fills your kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes everyone ask, “What’s cooking?”

🛒 Ingredients

For the Sauce
Olive or vegetable oil 1 teaspoon
White onion, finely chopped 1 small
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Ground cumin ½ teaspoon
Dried oregano ½ teaspoon
Dried ancho chiles 3 whole
Fire roasted tomatoes (with juices) 1 can (14.5 oz)
RO*TEL tomatoes (or fire roasted again) 1 can (10 oz)
Chicken or beef broth 1 cup
Salt and pepper To taste
For the Meat
Olive or vegetable oil 2 teaspoons
Beef chuck roast or stew meat, cubed 3½ pounds
Salt and pepper To taste
For Serving
Corn or flour tortillas Warmed
Avocado, sliced As desired
Cilantro, chopped For garnish
Lime wedges For serving
Cotija cheese, crumbled Optional
Radishes, sliced Optional
Sour cream Optional
🔥 How to Make It

Step 1: Soften the Chiles

Place ancho chiles in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water and let soak for 10 minutes until soft. Meanwhile…

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Sauté onion for 4–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Stir in cumin and oregano. Add both cans of tomatoes and broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Once chiles are soft, discard stems/seeds and blend them with the tomato mixture until smooth. Season to taste and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Beef

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
In an oven-safe pot, heat oil over medium. Season beef with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown beef on all sides (4–6 minutes per batch). Return all beef to pot.

Step 4: Braise

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Cover tightly and braise in the oven for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and shreds easily.

🌮 To Serve

Spoon the beef into warm tortillas and offer toppings like sliced avocado, cilantro, lime, Cotija cheese, radishes, or sour cream. Round out the meal with rice and beans for a satisfying, full-flavored feast.

🕔 Slow Cooker Version

Follow steps to prep the sauce and brown the beef.
Transfer everything to your slow cooker.
Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until tender and flavorful.