Chile Colorado is a dish that wraps you in a warm, cozy blanket of flavor, making every bite a hug for your taste buds. Imagine tender pieces of beef simmering in a rich, velvety sauce made from vibrant red chilies and spices that dance merrily on your palate. rich stuffed shells The aromas waft through your kitchen, enticing anyone nearby to peek over and ask, “What’s cooking?” If there’s ever a time to impress friends or family, this dish is it; it’s perfect for gatherings or an intimate family dinner.
Every spoonful of Chile Colorado reminds me of the countless weekends spent at my abuela’s house. She would whip up this dish as we gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The rich colors of the sauce matched the lively conversations, creating memories that linger long after the last bite. casserole for a crowd Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply needing some comfort food after a long day, this dish delivers an unforgettable experience.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Chile Colorado recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. With its robust flavor profile, every bite offers an explosion of taste that leaves you craving more. Visually stunning with its deep red hue, it will make any dinner table pop with color. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with rice, tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos! [/info_box]
I remember the first time I served Chile Colorado at a family gathering; everyone kept asking for seconds and thirds. The joy on their faces was priceless! For more inspiration, check out this carne asada cheese fries recipe.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Beef Chuck Roast: Choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness and flavor; they hold up beautifully during slow cooking. For more inspiration, check out this shredded beef tacos recipe.
Dried Ancho Chilies: These add sweet undertones and depth; toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the dish’s aroma; be generous for maximum flavor impact.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; slice it thinly so it melts into the sauce perfectly. taco sticks pair perfectly.
Cumin: Ground cumin brings warm earthiness; use fresh ground for more intense flavor.
Beef Broth: Rich broth enhances the sauce’s depth; low-sodium options allow better control over seasoning.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it imparts richness without overpowering other flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust to taste throughout cooking for balance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare the Chilies: Start by removing stems and seeds from dried ancho chilies. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine toasted chilies with garlic cloves, onions, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour in about one cup of beef broth and blend until smooth—this creates your flavorful base.
Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season beef chuck roast with salt and pepper before searing on all sides until browned—about 4-5 minutes per side should do.
Add Everything Together: Once browned, pour the blended chili sauce over the beef in the pot. Add remaining beef broth until just covered—this will help create that mouthwatering sauce.
Simmer Away: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 hours until the beef is fork-tender—use this time to relax or prepare sides!
Serve It Up: Shred or cube beef as desired before serving with rice or tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy!
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Chile Colorado! Each bite promises warmth and satisfaction that’ll remind you why comfort food is so loved.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Chile Colorado is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender meat with a vibrant red sauce. The secret to its depth lies in the dried chiles, which enhance the taste dramatically. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners and impressing your guests! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing your meat to lock in flavor, then blend the rehydrated chiles for a smooth sauce. Simmer everything together until tender and aromatic, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Chile Colorado by adding roasted vegetables or swapping in different meats like pork or chicken. A splash of lime juice or a hint of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile unexpectedly!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chile Colorado in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and flavor.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To achieve the best flavor, allow your sauce to simmer longer for deeper taste infusion. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as flavors develop further during cooking. Remember to use fresh ingredients for maximum vibrancy in your dish! [/info_box]
It’s funny how my first attempt at making Chile Colorado ended with my kitchen smelling like a chili pepper factory. spicy curry flavors My friends walked in thinking we were hosting a spicy fiesta! Little did they know it was just me experimenting.

FAQ
What is Chile Colorado made of?
Chile Colorado consists mainly of dried chiles, meat, spices, and broth.
Can I make Chile Colorado vegetarian?
Yes, use mushrooms or jackfruit as a delicious substitute for meat.
How do I store leftover Chile Colorado?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for three days maximum.

Chile Colorado
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Chile Colorado is a warm, comforting dish that envelops you in rich flavors with every bite. This recipe features tender beef simmered in a velvety sauce made from vibrant ancho chilies and spices. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, Chile Colorado promises to impress your guests and evoke cherished memories of shared meals.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 4 dried ancho chilies
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove stems and seeds from the dried ancho chilies. Toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Blend toasted chilies with garlic, onion, cumin, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of beef broth until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
- Pour the chili sauce over the beef and add remaining broth until just covered.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2-3 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Shred or cube beef before serving with rice or tortillas; garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg






