Braised Beef Chilli

Authentic Mexican Braised Beef Chilli — a delicious beef dish with 17 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

120

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

500

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Braised Beef Chilli

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 kg Beef
  • 3 Onions
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • Dash Olive oil
  • 300 g Chorizo
  • 2 tsp Cumin
  • 2 tsp Allspice
  • 1 tsp Cloves
  • 1 large Cinnamon stick
  • 3 Bay Leaves
  • 2 tsp dried Oregano
  • 2 ancho Ancho Chillies
  • 3 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 x 400g Plum Tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
  • 2 x 400g tins Borlotti Beans

Instructions

5 steps · ~65 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 120C/225F/gas mark 1.

    25 minutes
    Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
  2. Step 2

    Take the meat out of the fridge to de-chill. Pulse the onions and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large casserole and sear the meat on all sides until golden.

    5 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  3. Step 3

    Set to one side and add another small slug of oil to brown the chorizo. Remove and add the onion and garlic, spices, herbs and chillies then cook until soft in the chorizo oil. Season with salt and pepper and add the vinegar, tomatoes, ketchup and sugar.

    5 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  4. Step 4

    Put all the meat back into the pot with 400ml water (or red wine if you prefer), bring up to a simmer and cook, covered, in the low oven.

    25 minutes
    Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
  5. Step 5

    After 2 hours, check the meat and add the beans. Cook for a further hour and just before serving, pull the meat apart with a pair of forks.

    5 minutes

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Mexican recipe for Braised Beef Chilli is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Mexican cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your mexican meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Cilantro lime rice
🍽️Refried beans
🍽️Fresh guacamole

About This Dish

Braised Beef Chilli is a beloved dish from Mexican cuisine, originating in Mexico. With a total preparation time of about 135 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

Mexican cuisine has deep roots in Mesoamerican and Spanish traditions. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, it features bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and centuries-old cooking techniques.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 17 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

For braised beef chili, cuts such as chuck roast, brisket, or short ribs are ideal due to their marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories500kcal
Total Fat23g
Sodium310mg
Total Carbohydrates55g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein60g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineMexican
CategoryDinner
CountryMexico