Savory and Spicy Beef Chilaquiles: A Mexican Classic

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of Beef Steak
  • 12 Corn Tortillas
  • 1 cup of Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 1 can (400 grams) of Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 can (200 grams) of Green Chilies, chopped
  • 2 cups of Beef Broth
  • 1 teaspoon of Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Black Pepper
  • 1 cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 cup of Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • 4 Green Onions, sliced
  • 1 Avocado, sliced
  • Sour Cream, for topping

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
  2. Slice the beef steak into thin strips.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the beef strips and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes, chopped green chilies, beef broth, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
  7. Cut the corn tortillas into quarters and add them to the skillet. Stir gently to ensure all the tortillas are coated with the sauce.
  8. Add the cooked beef back to the skillet and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  10. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and sliced avocado.
  11. Serve the beef chilaquiles hot, with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the beef steak, onions, garlic, and other ingredients.
  • Skillet - A large skillet or frying pan for cooking the beef and preparing the sauce.
  • Oven - A conventional oven for baking the beef chilaquiles.
  • Spatula - A kitchen utensil for stirring and flipping the beef and tortillas in the skillet.
  • Measuring Cups - Cups for accurately measuring the vegetable oil, beef broth, and other liquid ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Spoons for measuring the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Cheese Grater - A tool for shredding the cheddar cheese.
  • Oven Mitts - Protective gloves or mitts for safely handling the hot skillet when removing it from the oven.
  • Garnish Tools - Tools such as a cutting board, knife, and kitchen shears for preparing the cilantro, green onions, and avocado slices for garnishing.

Recipe variations

  • Replace beef with chicken or pork for a different protein option.
  • Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a softer texture.
  • Add sliced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra spice.
  • Include diced potatoes or cooked beans for added heartiness.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle of hot sauce for a tangy kick.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh tomatoes or salsa for a burst of freshness.
  • Top with sliced radishes or pickled onions for additional crunch and flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure the ingredients used, such as tortillas and broth, are gluten-free certified.

Recipe overview

Kick up your dinner game with this mouth-watering Beef Chilaquiles recipe. A popular Mexican dish, chilaquiles is typically made by sautéing corn tortillas in a delicious tomato and chili sauce, then topping with cheese and baking until bubbly. This recipe elevates the traditional flavors with the addition of tender beef strips, making it a heartier meal option. This Beef Chilaquiles recipe is cooked in one skillet for easy clean-up. It's a perfect blend of savory beef, crispy tortillas, and melted cheese, all simmered together in a spicy tomato sauce. Topped with fresh cilantro, green onions, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream, it's a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. Expect a dish that's crunchy, creamy, and loaded with flavor, making it a surefire hit for any dinner or brunch. Whether you're new to Mexican cuisine or a seasoned connoisseur, this beef chilaquiles recipe is a must-try. Prepare to be amazed by its rich, complex flavors, and don't forget to serve with a side of salsa and some guacamole for a truly delicious culinary experience.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef steak? - Yes, you can substitute beef steak with chicken, pork, or even tofu if you prefer.
  2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? - Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer, but keep in mind that corn tortillas are traditionally used in chilaquiles.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? - Absolutely! You can omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make a delicious vegetarian version.
  4. Is it necessary to bake the chilaquiles in the oven? - Baking the chilaquiles in the oven helps to melt the cheese and create a delicious crust on top. However, if you prefer, you can skip the baking step and simply melt the cheese on the stovetop with a lid on the skillet.
  5. Can I add additional toppings? - Yes, feel free to get creative with toppings! Some popular options include sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
  6. How long will the leftovers last? - If stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the leftovers can last for up to 3 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Knife Set - A set of sharp knives for cutting meat, vegetables, and tortillas.
  • Skillet - A large, deep pan for cooking the beef and sauce.
  • Oven - Used to bake the chilaquiles with melted cheese.
  • Spatula - A utensil for flipping and stirring the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Cheese Grater - To grate the cheddar cheese for topping.
  • Oven Mitts - To handle the hot skillet when removing it from the oven.
  • Garnish Bowls - Small bowls for holding the chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and avocado.
  • Serving Platter - A large dish for presenting the beef chilaquiles.
  • Serving Spoons - Utensils for serving the chilaquiles onto individual plates.

Origin stories

Chilaquiles, a staple in Mexican cuisine, have an interesting origin story. This dish was originally conceived as a way to use up leftovers, particularly stale or leftover tortillas. In fact, the word chilaquiles comes from the Nahuatl words "chilli" and "quilitl", which mean "chilies" and "greens" respectively, but in a broader sense it implies something akin to "roughly mixed". This harks back to its humble origins, metaphorically rough mixing of leftover ingredients. So when you're enjoying your beef chilaquiles, you're not just tucking into a delicious meal, you're also partaking in a piece of culinary history, a testament to the ingenuity of cooks who were intent on wasting nothing and creating something sumptuous from what was left.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.