Filipino Beef Stew

Servings: 6

Author: Chef Connie

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Filipino Beef Stew

Filipino beef stew, known as mechado, is a hearty tomato-based dish made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and savory Filipino flavors.

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 2 H & 40 MTotal time: 3 H & 10 M

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 3 lbs of boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups water
• 1 can of tomato sauce - 15 oz
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 3 dried bay leaves
• ground pepper for taste
• 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• White rice

Instructions

1. You can make this dish entirely on the stovetop or finish it in the oven. If using the oven, preheat it to 325°F and make sure your pot is oven-safe.
2. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in two batches until well seared on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
3. Lower the heat to medium and add the onion and garlic to the same pot. Cook until softened. Stir in the water, tomato sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, bay leaves, and black pepper, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Return the beef and its juices to the pot and bring to a boil. Cover and either transfer to the oven or reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
5. Add the potatoes, carrots, and red bell pepper. Cover again and continue cooking until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are cooked through, about 1 hour more.
6. Remove the bay leaves if desired and serve hot with steamed white rice.

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Filipino Beef Stew (Mechado)

Filipino beef stew, traditionally called mechado, is a comforting, slow-simmered dish known for its rich tomato-based sauce and deeply savory flavor. Made with chunks of beef marinated in soy sauce and citrus, mechado is braised until fork-tender alongside potatoes, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. This classic Filipino stew balances tangy, salty, and slightly sweet notes, making it a staple in Filipino home cooking and a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions.

What sets Filipino beef stew apart from other beef stews is its bold use of pantry staples like soy sauce, bay leaves, and sometimes fish sauce, which add depth and umami to the dish. Typically served over steamed white rice, mechado is both filling and versatile, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors develop. Whether prepared for a weeknight meal or a celebratory feast, Filipino beef stew remains a timeless example of Filipino comfort food at its best.