One-Pot Mexican Beef and Potato Stew with Guajillo Sauce

This hearty and flavorful stew combines tender beef, savory potatoes, and the smoky heat of guajillo sauce, making it the perfect dish for chilly nights. The rich, bold flavors will satisfy your hunger and warm you from the inside out. It’s a comforting one-pot wonder that will quickly become a family favorite!

The guajillo sauce adds a unique depth to the dish, balancing the heat with a slight sweetness. The potatoes melt into the broth, thickening it and adding an earthy element. This dish is also incredibly versatile—you can add in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking, making it perfect for every palate.

Full Recipe:

1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2 cups beef broth
1 cup guajillo sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the diced potatoes, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. Stir to coat the potatoes in the spices.

Pour in the beef broth and guajillo sauce, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

The roots of Mexican stews like this one can be traced back to traditional Mexican home cooking, which has been passed down through generations. Guajillo peppers, a staple in Mexican cuisine, lend this dish its unique flavor profile. The guajillo pepper is one of Mexico’s most popular dried chiles, known for its medium heat and fruity, slightly smoky flavor. It is often used in salsas, sauces, and stews, where it imparts a distinctive warmth and depth of flavor.

Mexican beef stews, or guisos, have been a part of the country’s culinary tradition for centuries. They were typically made with inexpensive cuts of meat, such as beef stew meat, slow-cooked to tender perfection in flavorful broths and sauces. Historically, this dish would have been prepared as a hearty meal for the whole family, often served with rice or tortillas to complete the meal. The combination of beef, potatoes, and guajillo sauce exemplifies the rich, rustic flavors of Mexican cuisine, which has long been influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and African culinary traditions.

Variations and Adaptations

While the One-Pot Mexican Beef and Potato Stew with Guajillo Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish in its own right, like many traditional Mexican recipes, it can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and regional preferences.

In some parts of Mexico, this stew might include additional vegetables such as carrots, corn, or bell peppers to add more texture and flavor. Some cooks might also add beans to the stew, making it even heartier and more filling. You could also swap out the beef stew meat for pork, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms, making this dish incredibly versatile.

Guajillo peppers are used in many different ways throughout Mexico, and the sauce itself can vary depending on the region. In some places, you might find a more tangy version of guajillo sauce with added tomatoes or vinegar. Alternatively, other regions might prefer a richer sauce with added herbs like oregano or thyme, or even a sweeter sauce with brown sugar or honey to balance out the heat.

If you’re looking to experiment with flavors, consider adjusting the heat level by adding more or fewer chilies, or even substituting the guajillo for other dried peppers, such as ancho or pasilla, for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

This One-Pot Mexican Beef and Potato Stew with Guajillo Sauce provides a well-rounded balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The beef is a rich source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, and provides a substantial amount of iron to support healthy red blood cell production. The potatoes contribute complex carbohydrates, offering a steady energy source, along with dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Macros

Protein: The beef in this recipe offers around 25-30 grams of protein per serving, depending on the cut of meat used. Protein is essential for muscle repair and immune function.
Carbohydrates: The potatoes add about 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which are mostly from complex carbs that are slower to digest and provide sustained energy. The fiber content of the potatoes also supports digestive health.

Fats: The olive oil and the beef contribute healthy fats to the dish, with about 15 grams of fat per serving, including both monounsaturated and saturated fats. The use of olive oil ensures that the fat content is primarily from heart-healthy fats.

Micros
The guajillo sauce is a source of several important vitamins and minerals. Guajillo peppers are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from oxidative stress and supports immune function. Additionally, the spices in the stew, such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder, contain compounds that may help with digestion and promote anti-inflammatory effects.

For those watching their sodium intake, this recipe can be easily adjusted by using a low-sodium broth and reducing the amount of added salt.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish is rich and hearty enough to be served on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Here are a few ideas to elevate the meal:

Sides: Serve this stew with a side of warm, freshly made tortillas to scoop up the savory broth. Alternatively, a fluffy serving of rice, whether white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice, would complement the dish perfectly. If you’re looking to lighten things up, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would provide a crisp contrast to the richness of the stew.
Beverages: Pair the stew with a cold glass of Mexican cerveza (beer), like a light lager or a pilsner, which pairs well with the smoky, spicy flavors. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, try serving it with a refreshing agua fresca—such as agua de Jamaica (hibiscus water) or agua de pepino (cucumber water)—to add a sweet and cooling element.

Toppings: For an extra burst of flavor, top the stew with a dollop of sour cream or crema Mexicana, and sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco on top. A squeeze of lime over the dish adds a bright, zesty kick.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Browning the Beef: Take your time to properly brown the beef at the beginning. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors in the stew. Don’t rush it—let the beef develop a nice crust on all sides.
Cooking Time: If you find that the potatoes aren’t as tender as you’d like, continue simmering the stew with the lid on for an additional 10-15 minutes. The longer you simmer the stew, the more the flavors will meld together.

Adjusting the Spice Level: If you like a spicier stew, feel free to add additional dried chilies or some chili flakes. Conversely, if you prefer a milder dish, use fewer guajillo peppers or remove the seeds and veins from the peppers, as this is where most of the heat resides.
Make-Ahead Option: This stew makes great leftovers and can be made ahead of time. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day or two, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or preparing in advance for a busy weeknight.

Potential Health Benefits

This One-Pot Mexican Beef and Potato Stew with Guajillo Sauce offers several potential health benefits due to its nutrient-packed ingredients. The beef provides a good source of protein and iron, both of which are essential for overall health. The potatoes, being rich in fiber, can help promote healthy digestion and maintain a balanced blood sugar level. Guajillo peppers, like many other chilies, contain capsaicin, a compound that is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may even boost metabolism.

Additionally, the olive oil used in the dish provides heart-healthy fats, which can contribute to improved cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Mexican Beef and Potato Stew with Guajillo Sauce is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to enjoy the bold and smoky flavors of Mexican cuisine in a simple, one-pot meal that’s packed with nutrients. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, looking for something easy to make on a weeknight, or want to try a new twist on traditional Mexican stews, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try today and enjoy the comforting warmth and vibrant flavors of this Mexican classic!