A warm bowl of chile colorado is like a comforting hug on a chilly day, bursting with flavors that dance on your palate. The rich, smoky aroma wafts through your kitchen, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame, promising a meal that’s both hearty and soul-satisfying.
Growing up, my family always gathered around the table for Sunday dinners, and chile colorado was our superstar dish. It never failed to ignite laughter and memories as we savored each bite. Whether it was a casual get-together or a festive occasion, this dish transformed ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful chile colorado recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Its deep, robust flavors will captivate your taste buds with every bite
- The vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation that will impress guests at any gathering
- Versatile enough to serve with rice, tortillas, or even over nachos for a fun twist!
When I first introduced this dish to friends during a potluck, their reactions were priceless. They couldn’t believe how something so simple could taste so fantastic!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Chuck Roast: A well-marbled cut that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked; feel free to use beef stew meat for convenience.
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Dried Guajillo Chiles: These chiles add a beautiful color and mild heat; look for plump ones for the best flavor.
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Onion: Use one medium onion; it adds sweetness as it caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for adding depth; don’t skimp here.
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Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness while enhancing the meaty flavor.
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Cumin and Oregano: These spices give the dish its signature warmth; fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even more.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings bring out all the other flavors beautifully; adjust to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Chiles: Start by removing stems and seeds from the dried guajillo chiles. Soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened; this step ensures they blend smoothly into a sauce.
Sear Your Meat: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add oil and sear your chuck roast until browned on all sides—about 5 minutes per side. This step locks in those savory juices.
Sauté Aromatics: Remove the meat temporarily and toss in chopped onions and minced garlic into the same pot. Sauté until fragrant—about 3 minutes—until onions turn translucent and sweeten.
Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine soaked chiles with some of their soaking liquid along with cumin and oregano. Blend until smooth—this will be your flavor-packed sauce.
Combine Everything: Return the seared beef to the pot along with your blended sauce and beef broth. Stir well to coat everything evenly before bringing it to a simmer.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and reduce heat; let it simmer for about 2-3 hours until the beef is fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the better those flavors meld together!
Enjoy! Your kitchen will smell divine as you serve up this incredible chile colorado over rice or in tacos—the perfect way to gather loved ones around your table!
You Must Know
- This chile colorado recipe is a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance
- The rich, deep color and enticing aroma create an unforgettable dish perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings
- Trust me; it’s worth every second of simmering!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by searing the meat to lock in flavors, then blend your sauce while it cooks.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out meats like chicken or beef and add your favorite veggies for a personal twist on chile colorado.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chile colorado in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, and reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your chile colorado an absolute hit, remember to adjust spice levels based on preference
- Searing meat first enhances flavor and texture significantly
- Lastly, let it simmer longer for deeper flavors that will impress everyone at dinner
Cooking this chile colorado reminds me of family gatherings where laughter was as abundant as the food. Friends would take seconds before I even finished my first bowl!

FAQ
What is chile colorado?
Chile colorado is a rich sauce made from dried red chilies, often served with meats.
Can I make chile colorado vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use mushrooms or jackfruit as a hearty substitute for meat.
How spicy is chile colorado?
The spice level can vary; adjust chilies used to suit your taste preferences.
Chile Colorado
Chile Colorado is a beloved dish that embodies warmth and flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for gatherings. This hearty recipe features tender beef simmered in a rich, smoky sauce made from dried guajillo chiles, garlic, and spices. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve over rice, tortillas, or nachos, this dish promises to delight your taste buds and create memorable moments around the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chuck roast (or beef stew meat)
- 5 dried guajillo chiles
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep your chiles by removing stems and seeds; soak them in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, sear the chuck roast in oil until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in the same pot until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Blend the soaked chiles with some soaking liquid, cumin, and oregano until smooth.
- Return the beef to the pot, add the blended sauce and beef broth, stir well, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and reduce heat; let simmer for 2-3 hours until fork-tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg




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