My Recipe Box

Beef and Guajillo Chili Stew

A rich and flavorful stew blending tender beef, the deep warmth of guajillo chilies, and the comfort of a hearty meal.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 120-150 mins
Serves: 6
Author: ZahraAK2000

4.5 / 5 (892)


Ingredients

Meat
  • Beef Chuck

    1.5 pounds

  • Bacon

    6 slices

Chilies and Spices
  • Guajillo Chilies

    4 dried chilies

  • Ground Cumin

    a pinch

  • Smoked Paprika

    1 teaspoon

Aromatics
  • Onion

    1 large onion

  • Garlic

    3 cloves

  • Fresh Cilantro

    a handful

Liquids and Thickeners
  • Beef Broth

    2 cups

  • Tomato Paste

    2 tablespoons

  • All-Purpose Flour

    2 tablespoons


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by rehydrating the guajillo chilies in hot water for about 20 minutes.

    Begin the recipe by rehydrating the dried guajillo chilies. Place them in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes, or until they become soft and pliable. Once rehydrated, stem and seed the chilies, then place them in a blender or food processor with a bit of the soaking water to puree into a smooth paste.

  • 2
    Cook the bacon until crispy, then set it aside.

    In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. This step adds a smoky depth to the stew. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

  • 3
    Brown the beef in batches if necessary, to get a nice crust on all sides.

    Increase the heat to high and add the beef to the pot. If the beef doesn’t fit in a single layer, brown it in batches to ensure each piece gets a nice brown crust on all sides. This step is crucial for developing the flavor of the stew. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside with the bacon.

  • 4
    Soften the onions and cook the garlic until fragrant.

    Reduce the heat to medium and add more oil to the pot if necessary. Then add the chopped onion and cook until it is softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  • 5
    Add the spices, flour, and cook for a minute, stirring constantly.

    Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Then add the flour and stir to combine, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps.

  • 6
    Add the broth, tomato paste, guajillo chili paste, browned beef, and cooked bacon back to the pot.

    Gradually add the beef broth, stirring to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the tomato paste and the guajillo chili paste, stirring well to combine. Then add the browned beef and cooked bacon back to the pot, making sure the beef is covered with the liquid. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water.

  • 7
    Let the stew simmer until the beef is tender.

    Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer, covered, until the beef is tender. This should take about 2 to 2.5 hours. During this time, occasionally check the stew and stir it, adding more liquid if the stew becomes too thick.

  • 8
    Season and serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

    Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust the seasoning of the stew. Serve hot, garnished with a handful of fresh cilantro. This stew is best served with crusty bread, over rice, or with some warm tortillas.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

556

4

256

3

43

2

10

1

27

Reviews

  • ZaraTheTechie

    This Beef and Guajillo Chili Stew recipe seems promising. As someone who enjoys trying new Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, I appreciate the use of guajillo chilies, which add a unique flavor profile. The recipe appears to be well-structured and easy to follow. I particularly like that it uses beef, which is a common protein in many Middle Eastern dishes. However, I would need to make some adjustments to ensure the recipe is halal-friendly. The use of beef broth and bacon may not be suitable for my dietary requirements. I would consider substituting the beef broth with a halal alternative and replacing the bacon with a halal-friendly ingredient, such as lamb or beef. Overall, I think this recipe has potential, and with some modifications, it could be a great addition to my culinary repertoire.

  • AkuaM25

    🙅‍♀️ I'm so excited to try this recipe, but unfortunately, it's not a good fit for me 😔. As a vegetarian, I was disappointed to see that it features beef and bacon 🐖. I love trying new flavors and dishes, but I wish there was a plant-based version of this stew 🤗. The use of guajillo chilies and spices sounds delicious, but I'll have to find a way to adapt it to my dietary needs 🤔. Maybe I'll try substituting the beef with a plant-based protein source and skipping the bacon? 🤞 The stew looks so hearty and comforting, and I can imagine it would be perfect for a cold day 🌨️. I'd love to see a vegetarian version of this recipe in the future 🌱. For now, I'll have to give it 2 stars ⭐️, but I'm still excited to experiment with the flavors and ingredients 🌟

  • LeilaLovesBooks

    As I simmered this Beef and Guajillo Chili Stew, the aroma wafting from the pot transported me to a cozy winter's evening, reminiscent of the warmth and comfort found in a traditional Danish hygge. The rich flavors of the guajillo chilies and the tender beef, much like the tender layers of a well-crafted Danish pastry, unfolded with each spoonful. The addition of dark chocolate wasn't necessary, but I couldn't help but think of the delightful pairing of dark chocolate and rye bread, a classic Danish combination. The stew's hearty, comforting nature resonated deeply with me, and I appreciated the balance of flavors, which didn't rely on excessive sugar. The recipe's thoughtful use of ingredients and attention to detail made it a joy to prepare and savor. As I savored each bite, I was reminded of the simple pleasures in life, much like the quiet reflections of a solitary winter's night, à la Karen Blixen's 'The Snow Queen'. A truly satisfying meal, this stew would pair beautifully with a crusty rye bread or a warm, flaky pastry, à la Wienerbrød.

  • Astriid90

    omg this beef and guajillo chili stew recipe is 🔥👌 I'm not even a big beef person but the way the guajillo chilies add this deep warmth to the dish is like whoa 🌟 I'm all about Mediterranean vibes but this stew is def a winner 🤩 the combo of cumin smoked paprika and tomato paste is perfection 🌿 and can we talk about the texture of the beef after 2 hours of simmering? 🤤 it's so tender and just falls apart 🌮 I'm pescatarian so I don't usually eat beef but this recipe has me feeling all the feels 😋 I mean I'd prob swap out the beef for some seafood next time and see how that goes 🐟 but for now I'm just gonna enjoy this stew as is 🍴 definitely recommend if you're lookin for a new fave recipe 👍

  • Cihangir90

    Honorable recipe, I must commend the culinary artisans who have crafted this Beef and Guajillo Chili Stew. As one who cherishes the rich flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine, I found the blend of tender beef, guajillo chilies, and hearty spices to be a delightful experience. The aromatic dance of cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic wafted through my senses, transporting me to a realm of epicurean delight. However, I must note that the stew's level of heat, while subtle, may still perturb those with a sensitive palate, such as myself. Nevertheless, I applaud the recipe's balance and depth, much like the measured cadence of a well-crafted sonnet. In the spirit of gastronomic exploration, I award this recipe 4 stars, for it is a testament to the power of culinary innovation and cultural exchange.

  • NalaniC99

    I'm afraid this recipe for Beef and Guajillo Chili Stew doesn't quite align with my culinary interests and dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, the use of beef and bacon was a significant turn-off. I appreciate the effort to create a rich and flavorful stew, but I would have loved to see a plant-based protein source or a vegetarian twist on this traditional dish. The complexity of the recipe, with its multiple steps and ingredients, might be intimidating for some, but I admire the author's attempt to guide the reader through the process. If I were to recreate this recipe, I would substitute the beef with a vegetarian alternative, such as portobello mushrooms or eggplant, and explore gluten-free options for the flour and broth. The description of the stew as 'a rich and flavorful stew blending tender beef, the deep warmth of guajillo chilies, and the comfort of a hearty meal' is certainly enticing, but I think I would have enjoyed it more with a few tweaks to accommodate my dietary needs. Perhaps the author could consider a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe in the future?

  • KT0303

    I like recipe. It look like good stew, yes? Guajillo chilies give interesting flavor. I think about my sushi and ramen days, but this dish is different, you know? Rich and hearty. Problem for me is sweet tooth - I wish there some sweetness in recipe. But I can add sugar or something later. I also careful with dairy, no milk or cheese, but I see no problem here. Recipe seem easy to make, but long cooking time. I am resourceful, so I think I can make it work. I give four stars. I want try it soon.

  • caspervdmeer

    Ah, chili recepten, altijd een goede keuze! Dit recept voor Beef and Guajillo Chili Stew is best een aanrader. De combinatie van guajillo chilies, rundvlees en bacon is lekker pittig en smaakt echt naar meer. Helaas zitten er geen typisch Nederlandse elementen in, zoals stamppot of zuurvlees, maar het is een prima keuze voor een stevige maaltijd. Ik mis wel een beetje de klassieke Nederlandse stamppot-sfeer, maar het is een goede vervanger voor een avondje zonder stamppot. Ook leuk om te zien dat er geen noten in zitten, dat scheelt mij een portie zorgen. Alleen jammer dat het niet met een korstje brood wordt geserveerd, zoals bij ons thuis de stamppot. Al met al een gave recept, maar volgende keer graag met een Nederlandse twist!

  • EthanTheTech

    I approached this Beef and Guajillo Chili Stew recipe with an analytical mind, dissecting its components and techniques. As a foodie with a passion for culinary innovation, I appreciated the blend of traditional flavors with the depth of guajillo chilies. The recipe's medium difficulty level and preparation time aligned well with my driven personality. I was particularly intrigued by the use of guajillo chilies, which I'd never encountered before. The stew's rich flavor profile and hearty texture resonated with my love for trying new foods. Although I'm lactose intolerant, the recipe didn't include any dairy products, making it a suitable option. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars - it's a well-crafted dish that I'd love to experiment with further, perhaps incorporating some Korean chili flakes for added depth.

  • KazukiM95

    I appreciated the rich flavors and tender beef in this Beef and Guajillo Chili Stew recipe. The use of guajillo chilies added a unique depth to the dish, which I found intriguing. As someone who enjoys trying new foods, including spicy ramen, I was pleased to see that this recipe offered a different type of spicy flavor profile. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and I appreciated the attention to detail in the preparation steps. One thing to note is that I would need to ensure that the ingredients do not include sesame seeds, given my allergy. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those looking to try something new and flavorful.

  • AishaTheGreat88

    This Beef and Guajillo Chili Stew recipe seems like a real treat! As someone who enjoys trying out new recipes, I appreciate the blend of flavors and textures in this dish. The use of guajillo chilies adds a nice depth, and I'm a fan of the smokiness from the paprika. I do wish there was a lacto-vegetarian version, though - maybe substituting the beef with a plant-based protein? The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me with English as a second language. I'd definitely give this a try, with some tweaks to make it more suitable for my diet. One thing to note is that I'd be careful with the amount of cheese or cream added, given my lactose intolerance - perhaps a non-dairy alternative would work well. Overall, a solid 4 stars from me!