Slow-Simmered Beef Pozole with Roasted Chile Salsa

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

A hearty Mexican stew featuring tender slow-cooked beef, hominy, and a smoky roasted chile salsa, inspired by Amarillo’s beloved pozole tradition. This mexican-inspired soups ready in about 210 minutes blends cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck roast, large, diced yellow onion, 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 450 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: 30 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes, until deeply caramelized. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 5 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Toast 4 dried guajillo chiles and 2 dried ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt. Transfer chiles to a bowl and cover with 2 cups hot water; soak for 20 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Blend soaked chiles with 1 cup soaking water until smooth to make a roasted chile salsa. Pour salsa into the pot with onions and garlic; cook for 3 minutes to deepen flavor.
  5. Step 5: Return browned beef to the pot. Add 6 cups chicken broth, 1 cup soaked hominy, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well.
  6. Step 6: Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until beef is tender and hominy is soft, stirring occasionally.
  7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with lime wedges, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/2 cup shredded radishes for garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Beef Pozole with Roasted Chile Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (30 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Beef Pozole with Roasted Chile 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 Slow-Simmered Beef Pozole with Roasted Chile 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 Slow-Simmered Beef Pozole with Roasted Chile Salsa 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 Slow-Simmered Beef Pozole with Roasted Chile Salsa?

Mexican soups 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.