Chili Colorado Recipe

Chile Colorado is a rich, bold, aromatic stew made of tender chunks of beef simmered in a dynamic red chile sauce made from dried Mexican chilies. It is one for the recipe binder!

This Chile Colorado recipe is warm and comforting, hearty, savory, make ahead and freezer friendly and most importantly, layered with complex flavor but is easier to make than you think!  It begins with a red chile sauce made of dried ancho chile peppers, guajillo peppers and chiles de arbol that impart an intense, earthy, smoky, complex, authentic flavor profile laced with sweet berry undertones thatโ€™s practically hypnotic (with customizable heat!). If youโ€™re intimidated by working with dried chilies, donโ€™t be!  They are super easy to use and this Chile Colorado recipe is the perfect place to start with step-by-step photos and instructions to create an authentic chile sauce unparalleled in flavor. The Chile Colorado sauce is combined with sautรฉed onions, garlic, beef broth and seasonings then simmered with chunks of beef until fall apart tender.  You can serve the Chile Colorado with Mexican rice, beans and warm tortillas, or topped with cilantro, chips, and cheese.  It is also makes a fabulous filling for tacos, burritos and enchiladas.  No matter how you serve this Chile Colorado recipe, one thing is for certain โ€“ it will be a repeat favorite forever and ever!

If you love Mexican recipes as much as us, try these favorites: smothered chicken burritos, slow cooker carnitas, chicken enchiladas, chicken enchilada soup and carne asada street tacos.



 

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What is Chile Colorado?

If youโ€™ve never experienced Chili Colorado before, prepare for your taste buds to swoon!  Chile Colorado is a traditional Mexican recipe, a stew of sorts, made of either beef or pork cooked low and slow in a rich red chili sauce made of dried red chilies.  The chilies are softened in hot water then blended to create the iconic sauce that simmers with the tender beef, sauteed onions and garlic, beef broth, ground cumin, oregano, and bay leaves building a rich, complex, smokey, enticing flavor profile with every passing minute.

Once the beef is fall apart tender, the Chile Colorado can be simmered for longer to create a thicker sauce or for less time for a thinner sauce. The stew is then served with Mexican rice, beans and warmed tortillas along with desired garnishes such as radishes and Cotija cheese.  Chile Colorado also makes a tasty filling for burritos, tacos or enchiladas and can be even be shredded. No matter how you choose to devour this Chile Colorado recipe, I guarantee it will become a new family favorite for years to come.

Why is it called Chili Colorado?

No, this yummy dish didnโ€™t come from the state of Colorado. Itโ€™s actually a Mexican dish made with beef or pork thatโ€™s been cooked in a red chile sauce. The word โ€œcoloradoโ€ translates to โ€œcolored redโ€ in Spanish, hence why this stew is called chile colorado!   Chile Colorado is indeed colored red, or more mahogany, depending on which chilies you use.

Where is Chile Colorado from?

Now that we know Chile Colorado isnโ€™t from Colorado, where is it from?  Chile Colorado can be traced back to Chihuahua, Mexico.  In this region, they add vinegar to the stew at the end of cooking, which you may or may not want to try.  I add one teaspoon in my enchilada sauce and it really awakens the rest of the flavors.

showing how tender the Chile Colorado is with a big ladleful of stew

Chili Colorado Recipe ingredients

In addition to the beef and chilies, this slightly spicy, smoky stew comes together with surprisingly few ingredients. The rest of the ingredients are probably in your pantry right now!  Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll need: 

  • Beef broth: I prefer using reduced sodium beef broth so I can control the amount of salt in this stew and amp up the flavor with beef bouillon
  • Beef bouillonIs made from dehydrated vegetables, meat stock, a small portion of fat, salt, and seasonings AKA itโ€™s salt with flavor!  You can use bouillon powder, bouillon cubes or better than bouillon.  Add it to the stew without dissolving in liquid first. If using cubes, crush them up and then add directly to the broth then stir to dissolve.  You will need three cubes in this recipe.
  • Fire roasted tomatoes boast a wonderful smoky flavor and are sweeter with less acidity than regular diced tomatoes.  Most grocery stores carry them but if you canโ€™t find them, then substitute regular diced tomatoes.  
  • Onion: one large yellow onion to build the flavor base of the soup.
  • Garlic cloves:  fresh is best but you may substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • Dried herbs and spices:  The rich chile sauce demands robust seasonings.  I used a mixture of dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. The result is a rich, smoky stew that youโ€™ll want to gobble right up! 
  • Cocoa Powder + sugar + cinnamon:  is an easy substitute for Mexican chocolate which adds a depth of flavor and slightly mole flair you will LOVE. This combo is optional but highly recommended.
  • Flour: I used all-purpose flour, but a gluten-free flour substitute should work too.
  • Oil: You need a high smoking point oil such as vegetable oil to sear the beef and olive oil to sautรฉ the onions and garlic.  I recommend a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. 

What beef is best for this Chile Colorado Recipe?

Boneless chuck roast is the best cut of beef for Chile Colorado.  It boasts a succulent, beefy flavor and melt-in-your mouth texture due to its rich marbling. It is guaranteed to become fall apart tender when cooked long enough.

You can purchase beef chuck from your butcher (I like Costco) and chop it yourself.  This ensures every bite is the same cut of beef (imagine that!) and is (roughly) the same size so they cook evenly.

CAN I USE STEW MEAT?

I do not recommend stew meat for this Chile Colorado recipe but it may be used in in a bind.  Stew meat is a hodgepodge of different cuts of meat all packed together.  This creates a problem because not all cuts of meat cook the same due to their meat to fat ratio so you are left with tender bites, tough bites and rubbery bites โ€“ all in the same stew!

What Chile Peppers Are Best for Chile Colorado? 

Authentic Chile Colorado is made with Mexican dried chile peppers, namely ancho peppers, guajillo peppers, and chiles de arbol.  The dried chile peppers are the star and namesake of this dish, so please donโ€™t attempt to use chile powder and expect the the same authentic, rich, complex result.  Hereโ€™s the breakdown of the chilies youโ€™ll need:

  • Ancho chiles: are dried poblano chiles with mild heat and sweet, earthy, rich flavor. They measure between 1,000 โ€“ 2,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) compared with the jalapeรฑo peppers which can reach 8,000 SHU.
  • Guajillo chiles: are dried chiles from the mirasol chili and boast a sweet berry-toned heat (think cranberries) and mild smokiness. They are considered medium heat with a heat rating of 2,500 to 5,000 on the Scoville scale. Both the guajillo chiles add ancho chiles will add wonderfully complex flavor to your Chili Colorado but will not make the stew spicy, simply flavorful.
  • Arbol chiles: also known as birdโ€™s beak chili and ratโ€™s tail chili are very spicy and should not be used plain, but as an enhancer to either guajillo chiles or ancho chiles. Arbol chiles have a heat rating between 15,000 โ€“ 30,000 SHU.  
showing how to make Chile Colorado with top views of ancho, guajillo and arbol chiles to show what they look like

Where Can I Find Dried Chiles? 

If youโ€™ve never purchased or cooked with dried chiles before, donโ€™t be intimidated! Dried chiles can be found at any Mexican market as well as many grocery stores (and many super Walmartโ€™s depending on your location) in either the Mexican aisle or produce section. Many produce stores such as Sprouts and Whole Foods also carry packages of dried chiles. If you canโ€™t find them or simply want a one-click option, then you can purchase them on Amazon here:  ancho chiles, Guajillo chile, Arbol chiles.

Each package of chile peppers contains quite a few and they last for at least a year, so donโ€™t worry about them going to waste.  You can use them in this Chile Colorado recipe, my pozole rojo recipe or chile sauce.

IS CHILE COLORADO GLUTEN FREE?

All of the Chile Colorado ingredients are gluten free except the flour which you can substitute for a gluten free flour.  The flour insulates the beef to keep it juicy and creates a flavorful crust, but itโ€™s not the end of the world if you skip it.

Chile Colorado Recipe variations

Authentic Chile Colorado is as written with just tender meat stewed in chile sauce without additional vegetables, rice, etc.   However, you can use this recipe as a springboard to make all sorts of recipes of your own.  Here are a few ideas:   

  • Add rice.  Add 1 cup long grain white rice (I recommend basmati for the best texture) the last 10-12 minutes of cooking.  You will need to add additional broth to accommodate the rice.
  • Swap protein.  You can use pork shoulder, chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, ground beef or ground turkey.  You will need less broth for quicker cooking proteins.
  • Add vegetables. Add any of your favorite veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, chayote, potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, etc.
  • Add beans.  Black beans or pinto beans would be a fabulous addition.
  • Amp up the spice. Chile Colorado can be spiced up a number of ways:  add reserved dried chili pepper seeds to taste, add cayenne pepper, minced chipotle chili peppers, minced canned jalapenos or hot sauce.  Hot sauce is a nice option because you can line it up with the garnishes and let everyone customize their own spice level.
  • Use different dried chiles. Reference the section above on the different kinds of dried chiles you can use in this recipe. Try using a different blend of chiles the next time you make this recipe for a subtle shift in flavor! 
top view of Chile Colorado recipe in a bowl with a spoon

How to Make Chile Colorado 

I know this Chile Colorado recipe uses some ingredients you may be unfamiliar with, but trust me with I say this is such an EASY stew to make and requires far less chopping than most! Hereโ€™s an overview of the cooking process: 

Step 1: Remove seeds from the Chiles 

  • The chiles will need to be stripped of seeds and softened before blending into a sauce.  It takes a few steps, but is relatively quick and easy.
  • First, cut the tops off of all the chilies with kitchen shears.  Next, cut the chilies along one edge to open them like a book to expose the seeds inside.  
  • Scrape out all of the seeds.  The seeds contain most of the heat in the peppers โ€“ if you leave them in, your mouth will be on fire! 
showing how to make Chile Colorado by cutting the chile peppers open and removing the seeds

Step 2: Soak the Chiles and Prep the Beef

  • Next, briefly toast the chilis in a large Dutch oven until fragrant, then cover with water and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside to soak and soften while you prep the beef.
  • Prep beef by chopping into 1-inch pieces and tossing with flour, salt and pepper.
a collage showing how to make Chile Colorado by toasting chile peppers then soaking in water

Step 3: Blend the chili Sauce 

  • Now, we get to transform the beautiful, fragrant chilies into a sauce. Transfer the chilies along with 1 cup of the soaking liquid and 1 can fire roasted tomatoes to a blender.  Process until smooth. 
a collage showing how to make Chile Colorado by adding chiles and soaking water to a blender and processing until smooth

Step 4: Sear beef and Sautรฉ the Onion

  • Heat vegetable oil a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Wait until itโ€™s very hot before adding the beef.
  • Add half of the beef in an even layer and sear; flip the beef over and sear the other side, then stir to evenly brown all sides; remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef.
  • Add the onions and cook until softened, scraping up the brown bits, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and ground cumin and sautรฉ 30 seconds.
a collage showing how to make Chile Colorado recipe by tossing beef with salt and pepper then searing in a Dutch oven

Step 5: Cook the Stew 

  • Add the browned beef back to the pot followed by the rest of the ingredients (oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, bouillon, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, bay leaves and broth). 
  • Cover and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer over LOW for 45 minutes or until the beef is tender. Uncover, increase heat to medium and simmer an additional 15 minutes (uncovered), or until the sauce has thickened to desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt if desired or some reserved chili seeds or cayenne pepper for heat.
  • Discard bay leaves and serve with Mexican rice, beans, tortillas and desired toppings.

How to make Chili Colorado in the crockpot

This Chile Colorado recipe can be adapted to the slower cooker by first searing the pork and sauteing the onions on the stove then letting the crockpot do the rest of the work.

  1. Toast and soak chile peppers according to recipe directions.
  2. Sear pork and sautรฉ onions according to recipe directions. 
  3. Spray a 6 quart (or larger) slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  4. Add the beef, chile sauce and rest of the ingredients. Only use 2 ยฝ cups beef broth because less liquid is evaporated in the slow cooker. 
  5. Cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or on LOW for 8-10 hours or until beef is very tender.
showing how to make Chile Colorado recipe by adding chile sauce, beef, oregano, cumin, bay leaves and beef broth to Dutch oven

More tips for this Chili with Colorado Sauce

  • Cocoa powder + sugar + cinnamon:  This Mexican chocolate substitute is not traditional to Chile Colorado but Iโ€™ve tried it both with and without the cocoa/sugar/cinnamon combo and HIGHLY preferred it with.  You can omit it to start, taste and add at the end if you prefer.
  • Prep ahead. You can prep this stew in stages or even make it ahead completely for a stress-free dinner win. See the section below on how to prep ahead.
  • Donโ€™t touch your eyes!  When you are prepping the chile peppers, donโ€™t touch your face, especially your eyes.  You may even want to wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.  When you cut into a chile pepper, capsaicin (a chemical irritant) can transfer to your skin causing a burning sensation, although it doesnโ€™t actually damage the skin.  Wash your hands immediately after prepping the chilies.
  • Toast the chilies.  Many recipes skip toasting the dried chiles, but this is a huge misstep as it also skips enhancing the flavor of the chiles.  Toasting the chiles imparts a richer, deeper, more complex flavor.  Take care when you toast the chilies that you toast until fragrant and lightly toasted/browned, about 1 minute on each side.  It is better to underdo it than overdo it โ€“ you donโ€™t want burnt chilies!  
  • Donโ€™t burn stew meat. Take care you donโ€™t sear the stew meat at too high of temperature and adjust the heat if needed. We want golden bits left behind in the pan and not black bits, otherwise the stew will taste burnt.  
  • Multitask. You cut the beef while the chile peppers are soaking.  
  • You may or may not need to strain the chile sauce.  If you have a high-powered blender like a Blendtec or Vitamix, it should process the chile sauce until completely smooth.  If you donโ€™t have a high-powered blender, then strain the chili sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, using rubber spatula to push the mixture through, then discard any solids.
  • Customize consistency.  Chile Colorado can be served on the thin side or the thicker side.  For a thicker stew, simmer for longer uncovered.  For thinner, donโ€™t simmer as long uncovered or add additional beef broth to thin.
  • Adjust to taste. As with all recipes, taste the Chile Colorado at the end of cooking.  If it tastes like itโ€™s missing something, it is likely salt and/or heat. Once you season to taste with salt, add either reserved chili seeds or cayenne pepper, then all the flavors will come alive. You can also brighten individual bowls with freshly squeezed lime juice.
showing how to serve Chile Colorado by serving Mexican rice and tortillas with the stew

What to serve with Chili Colorado

Authentic Chile Colorado is typically served with rice and tortillas for scooping up the stew.  It can also be shredded and served in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc. Here are some additional serving ideas: 

top view of Chile Colorado with rice and tortillas

Can I prep Chile Colorado in advance?

Some of the steps in this Chile Colorado recipe can be accomplished ahead of time to save you time later.

  • Meat: Can be chopped and seasoned.  You can even go one step farther and sear the meat.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Chile sauce: The chiles can be soaked and blended days in advance. Store in the fridge until ready to use. 
  • Everything:  You can make the recipe according to recipe directions up to simmering the soup.  Combine all of the ingredients in the soup pot, cover and refrigerate.  Expect to add 10 minutes extra simmering time.

How to Store Chile Colorado 

This Chile Colorado recipe actually tastes better the next day! It will last up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. 

How to freeze this Chile Colorado Recipe

  • Cool. Cool completely before freezing.
  • Package.  Transfer the Chile Colorado to a freezer-safe container. You can use sandwich-size plastic bags for individual portions, quart size bags, or freezer bags. To easily fill these bags, place them in a container that you can wrap the top around the edge of โ€“ for example, place a sandwich size bag in a mug then cuff the edges around the mug. This keeps the bag open and prevents it from collapsing when you are pouring in your stew. Final packaging tip, make sure to let out any excess air before you seal.
  • Label. Make sure to label your bags so it doesn’t become a freezer mystery. You also want to label so you can be sure to use your stew within 3 months.
  • Freeze. Once cooled and labeled, you are ready to freeze your stew. Once the bag is solid you can lay it flat in a single layer so itโ€™s stackable to save space.
  • Thaw/Reheat. The easiest way to thaw the Chile Colorado is in your refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. 

How to Reheat Chile Colorado 

  • Stove: Reheat large batches on the stove over medium low heat, stirring occasionally (about 10 minutes).
  • Microwave: Transfer individual servings to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lids or paper towel. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then continue to microwave for 30-second intervals, if needed.

Chile Colorado Recipe FAQs

Is Chile Colorado Sauce spicy?

Chile Colorado is not spicy but can be made spicy if you want it to be! Using both the ancho chile peppers and guajillo peppers will not make the stew spicy, it is the chiles de arbol that add the heat.ย  They are 15 to 30 times spicier than ancho chiles and 6 to 12 times spicier than guajillo chiles.ย  You can omit the chilies de arbol altogether or add 1-3 chilies de arbol; 1 being mild-medium and 3 being very spicy.ย  You can also skip the chiles de arbol and spice up your Chile Colorado recipe with cayenne pepper to taste.

HOW DO YOU MAKE CHILE COLORADO TENDER?

In order for this Chile Colorado recipe to be a success, the beef MUST be tender.ย  This requires the right cut of beef, searing the beef and cooking the beef long enough.
Cut of beef:ย As previously discussed, boneless chuck roast will deliver fall apart tender results due to its rich marbling.ย  If you choose another cut of beef, be aware it might not deliver as spectacularly tender results.
Sear beef:ย Searing seals in the juices so the beef doesnโ€™t dry out when cooked for an extended period of time.ย  The caramelized crust achieved by the Maillard reaction also delivers a rich, depth of flavor that canโ€™t be achieved any other way.ย  I brown my beef in my enameled cast iron Dutch oven in order to achieve a deeply golden crust OR you can use a traditional cast iron skillet and transfer it to your soup pot.ย  Take care to work in batches and not to overcrowd your pan or else the beef will steam and not sear.
Cook until tender. If your beef isnโ€™t crazy tender, then cook on!ย  It just means the proteins needs more time to break down and tenderize. Even 15 more minutes can make the world of difference between โ€œokayโ€ and melt-in-your-mouthย beef.

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up close side view of Chile Colorado recipe showing how tender the beef is

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ยฉCarlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com

Chile Colorado

This Chile Colorado recipe is warm and comforting, hearty, savory, make ahead and freezer friendly and most importantly, layered with complex flavor but is easier to make than you think! It begins with a red chile sauce made of dried ancho chile peppers, guajillo peppers and chiles de arbol that impart an intense, earthy, smoky, complex, authentic flavor profile laced with sweet berry undertones thatโ€™s practically hypnotic (with customizable heat!). If youโ€™re intimidated by working with dried chilies, donโ€™t be! They are super easy to work with and this Chile Colorado recipe is the perfect place to start with step-by-step photos and instructions to create an authentic chile sauce unparalleled in flavor. The Chile Colorado sauce is combined with sautรฉed onions, garlic, beef broth and seasonings then simmered with chunks of beef until fall apart tender. You can serve the Chile Colorado with Mexican rice, beans and warm tortillas, or topped with cilantro, chips, and cheese. It is also makes a fabulous filling for tacos, burritos and enchiladas. No matter how you serve this Chile Colorado recipe, one thing is for certain โ€“ it will be a repeat favorite forever and ever!
Servings: 6 servings
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

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Ingredients

For serving (pick your favs!)

  • Mexican rice
  • warmed corn tortillas tostadas or tortilla chips
  • beans
  • thinly sliced radishes
  • chopped cilantro
  • chopped avocados
  • Cotija cheese

Instructions

  • Cut the tops off of all the chilies with kitchen shears. Cut chilies along one edge to open like a book; scrape out all of the seeds. Reserve some of the seeds to finish the soup if you want more heat.
  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chiles and briefly toast until fragrant, Cover the chilies with enough water so that they aren't touching the bottom of the pan (careful it will steam a lot). Simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off heat and let the chilies soak to soften while you prep the beef.
  • Trim the beef of excess fat then chop into 1-inch pieces. Whisk together the flour, ยฝ teaspoon salt and ยฝ teaspoon pepper in a plastic bag or large bowl. Add the beef and toss to evenly coat; set aside.
  • Remove chilies to blender along with 1 cup of the soaking liquid and the can of fire roasted diced tomatoes. Process until smooth, leaving a corner of the blender open so steam can escape; set aside. If you donโ€™t have a high-powered blender, then strain the chili sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, using rubber spatula to push the mixture through and discard the solids.
  • Rinse and dry the Dutch oven. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef in an even layer and sear; flip the beef over and sear the other side then stir to evenly brown all sides; remove to a plate with a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining beef.
  • Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed to the now empty skillet. Cook the onions over medium heat until softened, scraping up the brown bits, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ground cumin and sautรฉ 30 second
  • Add the beef back to the pot followed by the chile sauce and rest of the ingredients (oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, bouillon, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, bay leaves and broth).
  • Cover and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer over LOW for 45 minutes or until the beef is tender, stirring every 10 minutes or so and replacing the lid so the bottom doesn’t burn. Uncover, increase heat to medium and simmer an additional 15 minutes (uncovered), or until the sauce has thickened to desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt if desired or some reserved chili seeds or cayenne pepper for heat.
  • Discard bay leaves and serve with Mexican rice, beans, tortillas and desired toppings.

Notes

Tips and Tricks

  • Dried chiles: Can be found at any Mexican market as well as many grocery stores (and many super Walmartโ€™s depending on your location) in either the Mexican aisle or produce section. Many produce stores such as Sprouts and Whole Foods also carry packages of dried chiles. If you canโ€™t find them or simply want a one-click option, then you can purchase them on Amazon here:ย  ancho chiles, guajillo chiles, arbol chiles.
  • How spicy? Chile Colorado is not spicy but can be made spicy if you want it to be! Using both the ancho chile peppers and guajillo peppers will not make the stew spicy, it is the chiles de arbol that add the heat.ย  You can omit the chilies de arbol altogether or add 1-3 chilies de arbol; 1 being mild-medium and 3 being very spicy.ย  You can also skip the chiles de arbol and spice up your Chile Colorado recipe with cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Beef bouillon:ย You can use bouillon powder, bouillon cubes or better than bouillon.ย  Add it to the stew without dissolving in liquid first. If using cubes, crush them up and then add directly to the broth then stir to dissolve.ย  You will need three cubes in this recipe.
  • Cocoa Powder + sugar + cinnamon: Imitate Mexican chocolate and a subtle yet complex dimension of flavor.ย  Iโ€™ve tried this Chile Colorado both with and without the cocoa/sugar/cinnamon combo and HIGHLY preferred it with.ย  You can omit it to start, taste and add at the end if you prefer.
  • Chuck roast:ย  Boneless chuck roast will deliver fall apart tender results due to its rich marbling.ย  ย I do not recommend stew meat because it is a hodgepodge of different cuts that require different cooking at different times.
  • Cook until tender. If your beef isnโ€™t crazy tender, then cook on!ย  It just means the proteins needs more time to break down and tenderize. Even 15 more minutes can make the world of difference between โ€œokayโ€ and melt-in-your-mouthย beef.
  • Donโ€™t touch your eyes! When you are prepping the chile peppers, donโ€™t touch your face, especially your eyes.ย  You may even want to wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.ย  Wash your hands immediately after prepping the chilies.
  • Toast the chilies. ย  Take care when you toast the chilies that you toast until fragrant and lightly toasted/browned, about 1 minute on each side.ย  It is better to underdo it than overdo it โ€“ you donโ€™t want burnt chilies!
  • Donโ€™t burn stew meat. Take care you donโ€™t sear the stew meat at too high of temperature and adjust the heat if needed. We want golden bits left behind in the pan and not black bits, otherwise the stew will taste burnt.

Prep Ahead and Make Aheadย 

  • Meat: Can be chopped and seasoned. ย You can even go one step farther and sear the meat.ย  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Chile sauce: The chiles can be soaked and blended days in advance. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
  • Everything:ย  You can make the recipe according to recipe directions up to simmering the soup. ย Combine all of the ingredients in the soup pot, cover and refrigerate.ย  Expect to add 10 minutes extra simmering time.
  • Make ahead:ย  You can make the Chile Colorado complete in advance because it tastes even better the next day!

How to Store and Reheat

  • Storage: Chile Colorado will last up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.ย  Thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Stove: Reheat large batches on the stove over medium low heat, stirring occasionally (about 10 minutes).
  • Microwave: Transfer individual servings to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lids or paper towel. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then continue to microwave for 30-second intervals, if needed.

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41 Comments

  1. Stephanie says

    YES! High five, hugs, fist bumps for posting a chili Colorado recipe! I jumped online to get your tzatziki recipe to go with naan bread and an Indian butter chicken Iโ€™m making tonight. I literally was going to email you awhile back requesting you develop Chili Colorado, Birria and Mole recipes in the future because you perfectly nail every Mexican recipe, EVERY time. I always have dried chilies on hand and so darn excited to make this week.

    • Jen says

      YAY! Great taste buds think alike – I’m excited you’re excited! I hope you love this Chile Colorado recipe as much as us! I’ve added Birria and Mole recipes to my list ๐Ÿ˜‰ Stay tuned!

  2. Ekta says

    I woke up this morning to this recipe in my email. What a beautiful start to my day ๐Ÿ™‚ So excited to try this and so looking forward to Birria and Mole recipes. Goat Birria recipe would be awesome.
    Will it make a huge difference in flavor if I used powdered chilies? I have a ton of powdered Ancho and Guajillo.

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much Ekta, I hope you love it as much us! Because you have both ancho and guajillo powders and not just chili powder, I think it will still turn out great. I’m not sure how much you will need – maybe start with 1 1/2 tablespoons each and add more to taste at the end if needed. Good luck!

  3. Sheryll says

    Could this be made in the instant pot? I would like to do the final cooking in that but don’t know how long or what pressure to use. Thanks for your help. This recipe looks like it would be so tasty!

    • Jen says

      Hi Sheryll, I haven’t tried this in an Instant Pot yet, but hopefully one of my readers will help you out!

  4. Liz says

    Hey Jen,
    I’m wondering about the quantities of the ground cumin and dried oregano in this Chile Colorado recipe. The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of each. Did you mean to put 2 tablespoons in there? I only ask because it also calls for 2 teaspoons of cocoa and sugar and you usually list all of the “2 teaspoon” ingredients on the same line. Thanks in advance for clarifying!

    • Jen says

      Sorry for the confusion Liz! Yes, it is 2 teaspoon and not 2 tablespoons. I grouped the seasonings and the non seasonings together because the cocoa and sugar are optional. Enjoy!

  5. Liz says

    Great! Thanks for the clarification. I’m looking forward to trying this!

  6. Stephanie says

    This Chili Colorado recipe is absolute perfection and I can’t even begin to tell you how comforting it was for our family to have this for dinner after a day of snow skiing. I made it the day before, exactly as written with all options except arbol chilies and simply warmed it up on the stove the next day. Warmed up flour tortillas in a dry cast iron skillet, rolled up chunks of beef with some cheese, plated with more sauce over the top of tortilla with a sprinkle of cheese on top. A dollop of sour cream, your mexican rice and some refried beans made of one heck of a yummy dinner and rivaled any Chili Colorado we’ve ever had in a restaurant. Like all your recipes, the flavors were so rich in flavor and the extra effort to use all the spices and dried chilies makes it taste like it had been cooking in an abuelitas kitchen for hours. Thank you Jen for another AMAZING recipe. Keep um coming!

    • Jen says

      YAY! Thank you Stephanie, I’m thrilled you and your family loved this chile colorado recipe – and your entire meal sounds absolutely scrumptious! It sounds like you had the perfect da of skiing and food! What an awesome mom you are!

  7. Josey says

    Fantastic recipe again. I can see us eating that a lot. I always love when you have a great meat & sauce recipe that freezes well and offer countless options on how to use it. Thatโ€™s exactly how I like to cook.
    Now I have to ask … is there maybe hopefully a birria recipe coming?

    • Jen says

      Thank you Josey, I’m so pleased to hear it will be on repeat! Birria is on the docket – coming in March!

  8. Amanda says

    Wow! This is perfection! So different and delicious- I paired this with your Mexican rice and street corn salad; it was quite the meal!
    Iโ€™m a new mom and teacher- my school started back in person 2 days a week in February. My mother in law has been babysitting for us and as a thank you I send dinner for her and her husband each night. Every week they send huge kudos for the delicious meal, but I really have to send them on to you because I pretty much exclusively send them your meals! They said this was like eating at the best Mexican restaurant. Iโ€™m so thankful for the time you spend developing and writing these recipes including the make ahead instructions and suggestions for making them gluten free for my MIL. Thank you so much for your work and this website- you make me love cooking and sharing your meals!

    • Jen says

      You made my day Amanda! First of all, sending dinner to your in-laws every night is so generous (even if it is a thank you)! You sound like a rockstar mom, teacher and cook! I’m honored you love my recipes and that they make you love cooking -that is the ultimate compliment! I’m so pleased this chile colorado was another winner, and your entire spread sounds amazing! Thanks again for following along!

  9. Jessica says

    I live in NZ and itโ€™s not easy to come by ingredients for Mexican food and authentic ones are really expensive. My local supermarket sells dried chillies but they are different kinds more for Asian food, could this recipe be made with different kinds of chillies or would it taste too different?

    • Jen says

      Hi Jessica, unfortunately, I would not make this recipe with other chilies, instead, I would order the chilies on Amazon. Good luck!

  10. Anastasia says

    Can I use dried ancho chili powder in leu of the whole chili? If so, how much would you suggest using?

    • Jen says

      Sorry I have been so swamped this month! I just responded on IG but in case you didn’t see it, I would use 1/4 cup (1 TBS per chili) – hope that helps!

  11. Debbie says

    can you use a bottom of the round roast if one does not have chuck. thx Debbie

    • Jen says

      Absolutely! It’s leaner so no quite as juicy but it should still be plenty tender if cooked long enough.

  12. Meg says

    We made this tonight and it was delicious! I didn’t have any Arbol Chilies so I added a bit of Chipotle powder.
    Thank you for sharing such wonderful recipes!

    • Jen says

      Thanks for making my recipes Meg! I’m so pleased this Chile Colorado was a hit!

  13. Jenn says

    I made this tonight in an attempt to use up some dry chilies I’ve had in my pantry. I cannot believe how incredibly delicious this is. I don’t think I can ever eat this in a restaurant again. Thanks for the amazing recipe!

    • Jen says

      That’s what I like to hear, thanks so much Jenn! I’m honored (and sorry ;)) it’s better than restaurant versions!

  14. Sbakes says

    I cooked this all day and my meat just wouldnโ€™t get tender. Certainly not the fault of the recipe, but I was so disappointed. The flavor of the sauce was good though, but itโ€™s not a recipe Iโ€™d make again.

    • Jen says

      That is so odd. What meat did you use?

  15. Angie says

    Would I be able to use pork shoulder instead of red meat and use this to fill up tamales!? For some reason the chocolate and cinnamon make me hesitant but I am willing to try!

    • Jen says

      Absolutely!!! You may need to adjust the baking time, but it should work great.

  16. Kent says

    Hi Jen, I love your recipes! I think I’ve written in before, I spent a decade or so living in Carlsbad and now that I’m in Minneapolis I realize how much I love Carlsbad and how much I want to get back there. Minneapolis kind’a freezes me out. Anyway, I’ve been developing my dad’s chili colorado recipe over the last 20 or 30 years and your suggestion of cocoa, sugar, and cinnamon is intriguing. Can you give measurements for the spices? I could of course just throw some of each into the batch I’m making this weekend but I have a need for details ๐Ÿ™‚ Thank you!!!

    • Jen says

      Of course! I would suggest using 2 tsp EACH of unsweetened cocoa powder and of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Hope you enjoy!

  17. Maria says

    Where to start? This chili has such depth of flavor and tenderness that we couldn’t get enough. I’m recently attempting to batch meals and prep ahead, and your site is one of the best for suggestions on this. You do your research, offer numerous tips, shortcuts and substitutions. My plan was to make this meal for an evening and then freeze it, but it never ended up in the freezer. This chili just gets better after a couple of days. So, so delicious. Thanks you!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much, Maria, I am so glad my website helps with meal prep! I am thrilled you love the chili- YAY! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and find more recipes to enjoy!

  18. Nancy says

    Last year I went to a Mexican restaurant who made the best Chile Colorado. Iโ€™ve been looking for a recipe that best replicates it and this one is it! I make it about once a month because itโ€™s so good! Thank you for sharing the recipe.

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much, Nancy! I am delighted this is a repeat favorite!

  19. Melanie says

    If I used a more tender kind of roast (inside round), how much less time would I cook the beef?

    • Jen says

      Hi Melanie, I’m sorry I haven’t experimented with this cut of meat before in this recipe.

  20. Catherine Morris says

    This recipe is time consuming, but oh so worth it. The first time I made it, I didn’t use the sugar or cinnamon ~ this time I did. It came out fantastic!!! I served it with your Mexican rice recipe, fresh cilantro, and warm flour tortillas. YUM! Definitely a keeper recipe. Thank you sooooo much.

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for letting me know how you enjoyed it! Happy to hear it is a keeper!

  21. MELANIE KENNEDY says

    I made this tonight for my boyfriend birthday dinner at his request. It was Absolutely amazing! It had the best flavor! We won’t ever order it from a restraint again!!

    • Jen says

      Happy birthday to him! I’m so glad that you both enjoyed!