Slow-Cooked Salvadoran Beef with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-29 · Updated 2026-06-29

Tender beef simmered slowly in a richly seasoned tomato and chili sauce, capturing the comforting flavors of Salvadoran home cooking. This Latin American beef recipe, ready in about 210 minutes, pairs beef chuck roast, vegetable oil, and white onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast 3 dried guajillo chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt; soak them in 1/2 cup hot water for 15 minutes, then puree into a smooth paste.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; add 2 lbs beef chuck roast chunks and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total; remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced white onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the guajillo chili paste, 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 3 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Step 5: Return the browned beef to the pot; add 1 1/2 cups beef broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low; cook gently for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until beef is tender and sauce has thickened.
6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with rice or tortillas for a comforting Salvadoran-inspired meal.