Guajillo Chile Simmered Beef with Tomatillo Salsa

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

Slow-simmered beef in a rich guajillo chile sauce, paired with bright tomatillo salsa for balanced Mexican comfort food. This mexican ready in about 90 minutes blends stemmed and seeded Guajillo chiles, husked and rinsed Tomatillos, diced Yellow onion 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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: 30 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast 4 guajillo chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant, then soak in 1 cup hot water for 20 minutes. Drain and blend with 1/2 cup water to make a smooth paste.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 12 husked tomatillos, 1/2 cup water, and 1 teaspoon cumin. Simmer for 10 minutes until tomatillos soften.
  4. Step 4: Blend tomatillo mixture until smooth, then return to pot. Add guajillo paste, beef, and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 1 hour until beef is tender. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Cook for 5 more minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Guajillo Chile Simmered Beef with Tomatillo Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (30 min prep + 60 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Guajillo Chile Simmered Beef with Tomatillo Salsa?

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 Guajillo Chile Simmered Beef with Tomatillo Salsa?

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 Guajillo Chile Simmered Beef with Tomatillo Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Guajillo Chile Simmered Beef with Tomatillo Salsa?

Mexican mexican 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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