Simple Beef Mechado (Filipino-Style)
Beef Mechado is a classic Filipino comfort dish—tender beef simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with soy sauce, citrus, and potatoes. This simple version keeps the authentic flavor while using easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for weeknight cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich, savory-sour balance (tomato, soy, citrus)
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Tender beef cooked low and slow
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One-pot meal that tastes even better the next day
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Family-friendly and comforting
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or brisket, cut into chunks
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2 tablespoons cooking oil
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1 onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup tomato sauce
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¼ cup soy sauce
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1 cup beef broth or water
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1–2 tablespoons calamansi juice or lemon juice (to taste)
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2 bay leaves
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1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
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1 bell pepper (optional), sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
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Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
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Add beef and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
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In the same pot, sauté onions until soft.
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer
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Return beef to the pot.
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Add tomato sauce, soy sauce, beef broth, bay leaves, and sugar (if using).
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Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer 1½–2 hours, or until beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally.
Step 4: Add Potatoes
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Add potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes until tender.
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Add bell peppers (if using) in the last 5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish
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Season with salt, pepper, and calamansi or lemon juice to taste.
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Remove bay leaves before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
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Steamed white rice 🍚
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Pickled papaya (atchara)
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A side of sautéed greens
Tips for Best Mechado
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Chuck or brisket works best for tenderness.
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Simmer gently—don’t rush it.
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Adjust citrus at the end for the perfect tang.
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Tastes even better the next day.
Storage
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Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.
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Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Beef Mechado delivers classic Filipino flavors with minimal fuss—savory, slightly tangy, and deeply comforting. It’s a reliable, hearty dish that brings everyone to the table.