Juicy and soft Carne con Chile Rojo (Beef and Red Chile) cooked up into a deliciously rich, spicy dish suitable for the Instant Pot or stovetop.
The days and nights have been somewhat cooler than normal here in Phoenix the last few weeks. I love the cooler weather because it gives me a chance to make all those comfort food recipes that just don’t feel ‘right’ in the middle of the hot summer.
I like to make the real, authentic Mexican recipes that my husband grew up eating. Carne con chile rojo is one of his favorites. He never gets tired of eating red chile, and when you use it to braise some really good beef, the flavor is out of this world.
You can make this and serve with rice and tortillas de harina (flour) or maiz (corn), though we prefer corn. A really good pico de gallo pairs well.
Or you can simply chop up some fresh cabbage with a side of spicy pickled radishes. Served hot over warm rice, this carne con chili rojo is ultimately some of the best comfort food you’ll ever enjoy.
Better yet, it comes together quite easily in the Instant Pot.
Chiltepin Chiles
This carne con chili rojo gave me a chance to use up some chiltepin chiles. Chiltepin chiles (Tepin Chiles) are the only wild, native chile to the U.S. They are quite small in size and have a smoky bite with a touch of heat.
Often times claimed to be hotter (or equal to) Habanero peppers, the add some kick to a typical meal.
Here in Arizona we can find them growing in our backyard. You can sometimes even find them at the grocery store if you look in the right place.
They are ever-so-small — just 1/4 inch across!
Carne Con Chile Rojo (Beef with Red Chile)
While this meal is quite simple to make in your Instant Pot, you can also make it via stovetop. You’ll want to use a dutch oven and simmer for a few hours to allow the meat to cook and infuse in the chile.
If you are using an Instant Pot, it’ll cook up much faster with the same (if not better) flavors. Give your meat 25-30 minutes of active cooking time in the Instant Pot. Remember: that does not include the time it takes to come to pressure).
Once the pot is done cooking and beeps finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for ten minutes. Then do a quick release on your pot.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve as part of your favorite meal – on rice, with tortillas or on its own.
Juicy and soft Carne con Chile Rojo (Beef and Red Chile) cooked up into a deliciously rich, spicy dish suitable for the Instant Pot or stovetop.
Ingredients
- 8 New Mexico Chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 2 C. hot chicken or beef broth
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chiltepin chiles, crushed (or substitute a teaspoon of red pepper flakes)
- 1/4 tsp Mexican oregano
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pour your hot broth in a blender along with your chiles. Allow them to sit, fully submerged, until soft (10 minutes).
- In the meantime, use the saute function to saute the garlic and onions just until soft. Add the onions and garlic to the blender along with the chiles, coriander, cumin, tomatoes, salt and pepper and blend until smooth.
- Use the saute feature to saute the chuck roast and chiles in olive oil and butter for 3-4 minutes; season with Mexican oregano, salt and pepper. Turn saute off, and pour the blended chile mixture over the meat.
- Lock the lid on the Instant Pot and close the valve; set the timer to 25 minutes. Once done, allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release on any remaining pressure. Season as needed with additional salt and pepper.
- Serve with your favorite sides along with warm tortillas de harina or maiz. Enjoy!
What are some of your favorite comfort foods? One of our favorite holiday traditions is making Tamales – roasted tomatillo with chicken or even meatless options. The opportunities are endless!
