Homemade Chili Verde

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Homemade Chili Verde 🌶️🔥

If you’re craving bold Mexican flavors with tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, Chili Verde is a recipe you need in your kitchen. This dish, which translates to “green chili,” is a hearty, savory stew of beef simmered slowly in a rich, chile-tomato sauce. It’s smoky, spicy, and comforting—perfect for wrapping in a burrito, serving over rice, or scooping up with fresh tortillas.

This particular recipe has a touch of family tradition, passed down from a mother-in-law’s kitchen, making it not only delicious but also deeply authentic. The beauty of Chili Verde lies in its simplicity: a handful of fresh ingredients and a little patience transform into a dish bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tender & Flavorful Beef – Slow cooking makes every bite melt in your mouth.
  • Bold, Authentic Flavors – A spicy blend of chiles, tomatoes, and garlic creates a rich sauce.
  • Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy in burritos, over rice, with beans, or alongside warm tortillas.
  • Simple Ingredients – Uses everyday staples and fresh peppers for incredible taste.
  • Perfect for Leftovers – The flavors get even better the next day.

Ingredients

  • ✔️ 2–3 lbs chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • ✔️ ½ onion, chopped
  • ✔️ 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ✔️ Several spicy chiles (choose your favorite variety)
  • ✔️ 4 serrano peppers, chopped
  • ✔️ 2–3 tomatoes, chopped
  • ✔️ 1 cup water
  • ✔️ Adobo seasoning, to taste
  • ✔️ Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ✔️ Oil, for cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

  • Cut the chuck roast into even, bite-sized cubes.
  • Season the meat generously with salt, pepper, and adobo seasoning.
  • Chop the onion, garlic, chiles, serrano peppers, and tomatoes.

2. Sear the Meat

  • Heat a splash of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add the cubed beef in batches and sear until golden brown on all sides.
  • Remove the beef and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. SautĂ© until softened and fragrant.
  • Stir in the chopped chiles, serrano peppers, and tomatoes. Cook until the vegetables soften and release their juices.

4. Simmer the Chili Verde

  • Return the browned beef to the pot.
  • Add 1 cup of water and stir everything together.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover and simmer gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.

Expert Tips & Variations

  • Spice Level – Serrano peppers add plenty of heat, but you can adjust by mixing in milder chiles like Anaheim or poblano.
  • Thicker Sauce – If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
  • Flavor Boost – Add a splash of beer or chicken broth instead of water for a deeper flavor profile.
  • Pork Variation – Swap beef chuck for pork shoulder for a more traditional style of Chili Verde.
  • Serving Ideas – Use it as a burrito filling, spoon it over steamed rice, or enjoy with beans and warm tortillas.

Important Notes

  • Browning the meat first is key—it builds a rich, caramelized flavor base for the sauce.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven to maintain steady heat.
  • Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and spice to your liking.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 cup)

  • Calories: 330
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg

(Values will vary depending on portion size and spice variety.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make Chili Verde ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q2: What’s the best cut of beef for Chili Verde?
Chuck roast is ideal because it has enough marbling to stay juicy during slow cooking.

Q3: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the beef and sauté vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.

Q4: How spicy is this recipe?
It depends on your choice of chiles. Serranos bring significant heat, so swap in milder peppers if you prefer a less spicy dish.

✨ Rich, hearty, and perfectly spiced, this Homemade Chili Verde is the kind of dish that brings warmth to the table. Whether wrapped in a burrito, spooned over rice, or enjoyed with fresh tortillas, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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