5-Step Easy Carne con Chile Recipe: A Flavorful Mexican Dinner Made Simple

Are you searching for a comforting and spicy dish that’s rich in flavor yet incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than Easy Carne con Chile, a beloved Mexican classic that brings together tender beef, vibrant chiles, and bold spices for a hearty meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, Carne con Chile is a perfect choice. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to make Carne con Chile from scratch, offer tips for customization, and explain why it deserves a place in your regular recipe rotation.

What Is Carne con Chile?

Carne con Chile (or “meat with chile”) is a traditional Mexican dish made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich chili-based sauce. Depending on the region, the recipe may include different types of chiles—such as guajillo, ancho, or pasilla—combined with garlic, onions, and tomatoes to create a bold, earthy sauce that clings to every bite of meat. The final result is a savory, spicy stew that pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, beans, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Carne con Chile Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this Carne con Chile recipe will become your go-to:

• Simple ingredients you likely have on hand
• One-pot recipe, easy cleanup
• Bursting with authentic Mexican flavor
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Easily adjustable spice level
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free

This is truly the ultimate easy weeknight dinner recipe for anyone who loves bold, spicy meals.

Easy Carne con Chile Ingredients

To make this easy Carne con Chile, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meat:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Chile Sauce:

• 4 dried guajillo chiles (stems and seeds removed)
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 1 small white onion, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 large roma tomato, halved
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt, to taste

Pro Tip: If you want extra heat, add 1 dried arbol chile to the mix.

How to Make Carne con Chile – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Dried Chiles

Remove the stems and seeds from your dried chiles. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat and toast the chiles for about 30 seconds on each side until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 2: Soften the Chiles

Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and pour in hot water to cover. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until soft.

Step 3: Make the Chile Sauce

In a blender, combine the softened chiles, onion, garlic, tomato, beef broth, cumin, oregano, vinegar, and salt. Blend until completely smooth. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a silkier texture.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the beef cubes and season with salt and pepper. Sear until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the chile sauce over the browned beef. Stir to coat all the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.

Best Tips for Perfect Carne con Chile

• Use fresh, pliable dried chiles: Old or brittle chiles can be bitter. Always inspect your chiles for freshness.
• Low and slow wins: For ultra-tender beef, allow the stew to simmer gently for at least 90 minutes.
• Balance your flavors: If the sauce is too acidic or spicy, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to mellow it.
• Blender tip: A high-speed blender makes the smoothest chile sauce.
• Short on time? Use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to cut the cooking time in half.

Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to enjoy your Carne con Chile. Here are some of our favorites:

• With Mexican rice: A fluffy side of rice balances the richness of the chile sauce.
• Tucked into warm tortillas: Make tacos, burritos, or quesadillas!
• Served over cauliflower rice: A low-carb option that’s still satisfying.
• Topped with avocado slices and lime: Adds creaminess and a touch of acidity.
• With refried beans: A traditional pairing that completes the dish.

Customize Your Carne con Chile

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to make it your own:

Use Different Proteins:

• Try pork shoulder instead of beef for a different flavor.
• Use chicken thighs and reduce simmer time to about 45 minutes.
• Go vegetarian by using jackfruit or portobello mushrooms.

Add More Veggies:

• Add zucchini, corn, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Stir in spinach or kale for extra nutrition.

Adjust the Heat:

• For a mild version, skip the arbol chile.
• For a spicy kick, add chipotle peppers in adobo.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Carne con Chile tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Meal prep tip: Divide leftovers into single-serving containers for easy lunches.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Serving size: 1 cup of Carne con Chile with sauce

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

This dish is low in carbs, high in protein, and naturally gluten-free—making it ideal for keto, paleo, and diabetic-friendly diets.

Final Thoughts: Why Carne con Chile Deserves a Spot on Your Table

Carne con Chile is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Mexican culinary tradition, flavor, and comfort. It’s a dish that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your tastebuds. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any time you crave something cozy and full of character.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to explore Mexican cuisine, this easy Carne con Chile recipe is a must-try. It’s a deeply satisfying dish that proves you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to make something truly delicious.