Slow-Simmered Beef Mechado with Tangy Tomato Sauce
DaddyCooks_Ph adapted by JojoM
A classic Filipino beef mechado simmered in a rich tomato sauce with calamansi marinade, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Perfect with rice!
Slow-Simmered Beef Mechado with Tangy Tomato Sauce 🍅🥩
If you’re craving a hearty Filipino beef stew, this beef mechado recipe is a must-try! Known for its rich tomato base and tangy marinade, mechado is one of those classic Pinoy comfort food dishes that warms both the heart and the stomach. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers simmered slowly in a flavorful tomato sauce, it’s the perfect centerpiece for a family meal.
What Makes Beef Mechado Special? ✨
Unlike other Filipino beef stews, mechado stands out because of its calamansi-soy marinade. This gives the beef a unique tanginess and depth of flavor even before it’s simmered. Combined with fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and a hint of sweetness, the result is a perfectly balanced stew—rich, savory, and slightly zesty.
It’s also a dish that gets better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it ideal for big-batch cooking or celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Love 🥕🥔🌶️
- Beef with a bit of fat – for tenderness and flavor
- Calamansi or lemon juice – for that tangy kick
- Soy sauce & black pepper – classic marinade staples
- Tomatoes & tomato paste – build the rich stew base
- Potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers – hearty vegetables to complete the dish
Optional but recommended: pickle relish for a subtle sweetness and depth!
Cooking Tips for the Best Mechado 🍳
- Marinate overnight – The longer the beef sits in the soy-calamansi marinade, the more flavorful and tender it becomes.
- Pan-fry veggies first – This helps them hold their shape and not turn mushy in the stew.
- Low and slow simmer – Patience is key! The beef needs time to become fork-tender while soaking up all the tomato goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
✔️ Comforting and hearty – perfect with freshly steamed rice
✔️ Great for meal prep – tastes even better the next day
✔️ Budget-friendly – stretches to feed a family of six
✔️ Traditional yet adaptable – add more vegetables or spices to make it your own
Serving Suggestions 🍚
Serve your beef mechado hot with a generous scoop of white rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or spring onions for a pop of color. For gatherings, pair it with other Filipino favorites like lumpia or pancit for a truly festive spread.
This slow-simmered beef mechado is more than just a stew—it’s a nostalgic Filipino dish that connects generations around the dining table. With its tangy tomato sauce and melt-in-your-mouth beef, it’s the kind of food that feels like home. 🏡
Slow-Simmered Beef Mechado with Tangy Tomato Sauce
DaddyCooks_Ph adapted by JojoMA classic Filipino beef mechado simmered in a rich tomato sauce with calamansi marinade, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Perfect with rice!
Chef's Tips
Marinate beef overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
Pre-fry potatoes and carrots to keep their shape while simmering.
Simmer on low heat for tender beef and a rich, flavorful sauce.
Tools Used
Mixing Bowl
Frying Pan
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Ingredients
Marinade
Sauce
Vegetables
Instructions
Marinate the Beef
- 1
Combine beef, soy sauce, calamansi juice, and pepper in a bowl.
- 2
Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Pre-cook the Vegetables
- 1
Pan-fry potatoes and carrots until half-cooked, then set aside.
Sear the Beef
- 1
In the same pan with oil from the vegetables, sear beef on all sides.
- 2
Cover briefly to render fat, then flip to brown evenly.
- 3
Remove and set aside.
Build the Sauce Base
- 1
Sauté garlic, onions, and tomatoes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- 2
Add beef and leftover marinade.
- 3
Stir in tomato paste, bay leaves, water, and sugar.
- 4
Let simmer, then add pickle relish.
Slow Cook
- 1
Transfer to a large pot or casserole.
- 2
Simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until beef is tender.
Final Assembly
- 1
Add potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
- 2
Simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens.
Serving
- 1
Serve hot with steamed rice.
- 2
Best enjoyed the next day as flavors deepen.
Comments & Reviews
Maria L.
8/22/2025
Turned out so flavorful! I marinated mine overnight and the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Carlo G.
8/21/2025
My family loved it with extra bell peppers. Definitely a keeper recipe.
Jessa P.
8/20/2025
So comforting with rice! I skipped the pickle relish but still delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
