Beef Mechado Braised with Tomato and Soy Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Filipino beef stew where tender beef chunks are slow-cooked in a savory tomato and soy sauce broth, enriched with potatoes and carrots. This filipino-inspired beef ready in about 115 minutes blends soy sauce, tomato sauce, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, marinate 2 pounds beef chuck cubes with 1/3 cup soy sauce for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 sliced medium onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add marinated beef (reserve marinade) and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup tomato sauce, reserved marinade, and 2 cups water. Add 1 bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1 hour until beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 peeled and cubed medium potatoes and 2 peeled and sliced medium carrots. Continue simmering uncovered for 20 minutes until vegetables are cooked and sauce thickens. Season with salt to taste before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef Mechado Braised with Tomato and Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (25 min prep + 90 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Beef Mechado Braised with Tomato and Soy Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef Mechado Braised with Tomato and Soy Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beef Mechado Braised with Tomato and Soy Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beef Mechado Braised with Tomato and Soy Sauce?

Filipino beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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