Easy Chile Colorado Recipe with Tender Beef and Rich Red Sauce

If you’re searching for an authentic chile colorado recipe that’s both easy to follow and packed with deep, satisfying flavor, you’ve landed in the right place. This classic Mexican dish, featuring tender chunks of beef simmered in a bold, brick-red chile sauce, is a must-try comfort food that belongs in your recipe rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with something hearty and homemade, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without the complicated steps.

🌶 What Is Chile Colorado?

Despite the name, Chile Colorado has nothing to do with the U.S. state of Colorado. In Spanish, “colorado” means “colored red”—a perfect description for this dish. It gets its signature brick-red hue from dried Mexican chiles, typically guajillo, ancho, and pasilla peppers.

Chile Colorado is traditionally made with beef, although pork or even chicken can be used. The slow-cooked meat becomes incredibly tender and soaks up the earthy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors of the rich chile sauce.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this easy chile colorado recipe at home:

For the Meat:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chile Sauce:

• 4 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 1 dried pasilla chile (optional, for added depth)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 cups beef broth (plus more as needed)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for added richness)
• Salt to taste

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Chile Colorado

Step 1: Prepare the Chiles

Remove the stems and seeds from all the dried chiles. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the chiles for about 30 seconds per side—just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Place the chiles in a bowl and pour in hot water until they’re fully submerged. Soak for 20 minutes to soften.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Drain the soaked chiles and place them in a blender along with the onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and 1½ to 2 cups of beef broth. Add tomato paste if using. Blend until very smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a silky texture (optional but recommended).

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Transfer the browned beef to a plate.

Step 4: Simmer in Sauce

Return the beef to the pot and pour in the chile sauce. Add additional beef broth as needed to cover the meat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender and the sauce has thickened.

🍽 How to Serve Chile Colorado

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

• With Mexican rice and refried beans for a classic combo
• Inside burritos or tacos for a handheld meal
• Over white rice for a simple, comforting dinner
• With warm corn tortillas for dipping into the rich red sauce

💡 Tips for Success

• Use quality dried chiles: Look for pliable, not brittle, chiles without mold.
• Strain your sauce: It creates a smoother texture and more refined presentation.
• Add depth: A small piece of Mexican chocolate or a splash of apple cider vinegar can balance out the flavors if the sauce feels too intense.

🥡 Storing and Reheating

Chile Colorado stores beautifully. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through

📝 Final Thoughts

This easy chile colorado recipe proves that bold, authentic Mexican flavors are within reach, even on a weeknight. With just a few simple ingredients and some time on the stove, you’ll end up with a dish that’s rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re a seasoned pro, this chile colorado will have your kitchen smelling amazing and your guests asking for seconds.