If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful, and hearty meal, look no further than Chile Colorado with Beef. This dish brings together tender beef simmered in a rich, vibrant sauce bursting with spices and the smoky goodness of smoked turkey bacon. Every bite delivers a mouthwatering experience filled with warmth and tradition that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor Fusion: The combination of robust spices and slow-cooked beef creates layers of deep, satisfying flavors.
Smoky Twist: Smoked turkey bacon adds a wonderful smoky essence that elevates the classic recipe.
Comforting and Filling: This dish is the perfect cozy meal for any day, satisfying your taste buds and hunger.
Versatile and Easy: Few ingredients come together quickly, making it approachable for cooks of all levels.
Perfect for Sharing: It’s an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings, sure to please every palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple yet powerful ingredients form the heart of Chile Colorado with Beef. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the beef providing tenderness, spices contributing warmth, or smoked turkey bacon infusing depth and smokiness.

Beef chuck roast: Well-marbled and perfect for slow cooking until tender and flavorful.
Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky accent that complements the spices beautifully.
Dried guajillo and ancho chilies: Provide vibrant color and authentic chili flavor.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic enhances savoriness with a fragrant touch.
Onion: Adds sweetness and balances the heat from the chilies.
Tomato paste (natural): Boosts umami and thickens the sauce naturally.
Apple cider vinegar (natural): Brings a subtle tang to brighten the rich flavors.
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Gives an added layer of complexity and savoriness.
Ground cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika: These spices create the essential depth and warmth.
Beef broth: Forms the luscious base for simmering the beef to perfection.
Salt and black pepper: To season and enhance every flavor note.

Variations for Chile Colorado with Beef

This recipe invites creativity, making it easy to adjust to your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the recipe your own.

Vegetable boost: Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness and nutrients.
Spice level: Increase or reduce the amount of dried chilies to make it milder or spicier.
Plant-based protein: Swap beef for textured vegetable protein or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Extra smokiness: Include smoked turkey slices in place of smoked turkey bacon for a different smoky texture.
Herb garnish: Top with fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh herbal finish.

Best Chile Colorado with Beef Recipe to Try Today

How to Make Chile Colorado with Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Chilies

Start by removing the seeds and stems from the dried guajillo and ancho chilies. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant to unlock their rich flavor, then soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until they soften.

Step 2: Make the Chili Sauce

Once softened, blend the chilies with garlic, onion, tomato paste (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and a bit of the soaking liquid. Blend until smooth and set this vibrant sauce aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Smoked Turkey Bacon

Cut the beef chuck roast into chunks and sear it in a hot skillet with a little oil until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and cook the smoked turkey bacon pieces in the same pan until crisp, setting them aside with the beef.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

In a large pot, combine the browned beef, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and the chili sauce. Add beef broth to cover the meat partially. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook gently for 2 to 3 hours or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the chile rest for a few minutes before serving to deepen the flavors even more, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Chile Colorado with Beef

Chili prep: Toast dried chilies carefully to avoid burning, which can create bitterness.
Low and slow: Simmer at low heat to ensure the beef becomes tender and sauce flavors meld fully.
Skim fat: Occasionally skim the surface to keep the sauce rich but not greasy.
Resting time: Allow the chile to rest before serving for best flavor development.
Customize spice: Adjust chili quantities gradually to match your heat preference.

How to Serve Chile Colorado with Beef

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro or sliced radishes add brightness and a crisp contrast to the rich, spicy stew. A dollop of plant-based sour cream can also mellow the heat deliciously.

Side Dishes

Serve with warm corn tortillas, fluffy rice, or creamy plant-based mashed potatoes to soak up the bold sauce perfectly. A fresh salad with citrus notes can refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Chile Colorado with Beef over roasted vegetables or as a filling for stuffed peppers for a unique spin. Garnishing with avocado slices or pickled jalapeños adds extra texture and flavor excitement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chile Colorado with Beef stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to three months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers for easy meals anytime you crave a hearty, spiced treat.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce for that fresh, just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I make Chile Colorado with Beef in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and smoked turkey bacon first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, flavorful results.

Is Chile Colorado very spicy?

The spice level can vary depending on how many dried chilies you use. You can adjust the heat to your taste by using fewer chilies or adding milder varieties.

What cuts of beef work best?

Beef chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, but brisket or short ribs also work wonderfully.

Can I omit the smoked turkey bacon?

Yes, you can leave it out or replace it with smoked turkey slices for a different smoky flavor if you prefer.

What can I use instead of dried chilies?

While dried guajillo and ancho chilies are traditional, you can substitute with chili powder blends, though fresh chilies will give a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Chile Colorado with Beef is an invitation to enjoy comforting, bold flavors that warm your soul and bring people together. This recipe’s rich sauce infused with spices and the delightful smoky twist from smoked turkey bacon makes it an instant favorite. Dive in, savor every bite, and make it a recipe to return to time and again.

Chile Colorado with Beef

Author: Jonathan
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Chile Colorado with Beef is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef chuck roast simmered in a rich, vibrant sauce infused with robust spices and smoky turkey bacon. This recipe balances warmth and depth with a delicious smoky twist, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or gatherings.

Instructions

Prepare the Chilies: Remove the seeds and stems from the dried guajillo and ancho chilies. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant to unlock their rich flavor. Then soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until they soften.
Make the Chili Sauce: Blend the softened chilies with garlic, onion, tomato paste (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and a bit of the soaking liquid. Blend until smooth and set this vibrant sauce aside.
Brown the Beef and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a little oil in a hot skillet, then sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides. Remove the beef. In the same pan, cook the chopped smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Set both aside.
Combine and Simmer: In a large pot, combine the browned beef, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and the chili sauce. Add beef broth to partially cover the meat. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook gently for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens beautifully.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the chile rest for a few minutes before serving to deepen the flavors, and enjoy.