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Old Fashioned Caldo de Res

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(Traditional Mexican Beef Soup with Vegetables) 🇲🇽

Old Fashioned Caldo de Res is a beloved Mexican comfort food made with tender beef, rich homemade broth, and large chunks of fresh vegetables. Slow-simmered until the meat is fall-apart tender, this traditional soup combines beef shank, corn, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and zucchini for a warm, nourishing meal that has been passed down through generations.

Full Recipe (Ingredients + Instructions)

Ingredients

For the Beef Broth 🥩

  • 4 pounds beef shank with bone (chamorro de res)
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
  • 12 cups water
  • 1 large white onion, quartered
  • 8 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons beef bouillon (optional)

Vegetables 🥕🌽

  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 3 ears of corn, cut into sections
  • ½ large cabbage, cut into wedges
  • 2 zucchini, cut into thick pieces
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro

Optional Red Chile Flavor 🌶️

  • 3 dried guajillo chiles, seeded
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Broth

Place beef shank and chuck roast into a large soup pot.

Add:

  • Water
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Bay leaves
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Bring to a boil.

Skim off any foam from the top.

Reduce heat and simmer gently for:

2½–3 hours

until the beef is tender and the broth is rich.

Step 2: Add Chile Flavor (Optional)

Toast guajillo chiles lightly in a dry skillet.

Soak in hot water for 15 minutes.

Blend with:

  • Garlic
  • Cumin
  • Beef broth

Strain and add to the soup for a deeper color and smoky flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Add vegetables in stages:

First:

  • Corn
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes

Cook for about 15 minutes.

Then add:

  • Cabbage
  • Zucchini
  • Celery
  • Tomatoes

Continue cooking for another 15–20 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Add fresh cilantro.

Serve hot with:

  • Lime wedges
  • Warm corn tortillas
  • Chopped onion
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Salsa verde

Extra Recipe Tips & Variations ✨

🥩 Authentic Bone-In Flavor

Beef shank with marrow bone creates the richest traditional broth.

🌶️ Spicy Caldo de Res

Add:

  • Serrano peppers
  • Jalapeños
  • Chile de árbol

for extra heat.

🍚 Caldo de Res with Rice

Serve with a scoop of Mexican rice in the bowl.

🫘 Rustic Family Style

Add cooked pinto beans for a heartier version.

🥒 Traditional Vegetable Additions

Many families also add:

  • Chayote
  • Green beans
  • Squash
  • Nopales

Flavor Upgrades / Secret Tips 🔥

✅ Roast onion, garlic, and tomatoes before adding for deeper flavor.

✅ Cook low and slow—the broth is the heart of the dish.

✅ Keep the bone-in meat for a rich, silky texture.

✅ Add lime juice right before eating for freshness.

✅ Make it one day ahead—the flavors become even better.

Serving Ideas 🍽️

Serve with:

🌮 Homemade tortillas
🥑 Avocado slices
🌶️ Salsa verde
🧅 Chopped onion
🌿 Fresh cilantro
🍋 Lime wedges
🍚 Mexican rice

Perfect for:

  • Sunday family dinners
  • Cold weather meals
  • Large gatherings
  • Traditional Mexican celebrations

Storage Tips 🥡

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer:

Freeze broth and meat for up to 3 months.

For best texture, add fresh vegetables when reheating.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Per serving:

  • Calories: 500–650 kcal
  • Protein: 45–55 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45–60 g
  • Fat: 20–30 g
  • Fiber: 8–10 g

(Values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: What does Caldo de Res mean?
A: Caldo de Res means “beef broth” or “beef soup” in Spanish.

Q: What is the best meat for Caldo de Res?
A: Beef shank with bone is traditional, but chuck roast is also a great choice.

Q: Can I make Caldo de Res in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Cook the beef on LOW for 8 hours and add vegetables during the last hour.

Q: Why is my broth not flavorful enough?
A: Bone-in meat, slow cooking, and proper seasoning are what create the rich traditional flavor.

Social Media Captions ❤️

Facebook Style:

“A big bowl of Old Fashioned Caldo de Res is the definition of comfort food! 🍲🥩 Tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich homemade broth made the traditional way. The kind of meal that brings everyone back to the table.”

Instagram Style:

“Slow simmered with love 🇲🇽🍲 Caldo de Res is the taste of home in every spoonful.”

Short Viral Caption:

“Grandma’s soup will always be the best ❤️🍲”

Family Memory Style:

“Some recipes are more than food—they are memories. ❤️ Caldo de Res brings family together with every warm, flavorful bowl.”

Final Food Description 🍴

Old Fashioned Caldo de Res is a traditional Mexican beef soup made with tender bone-in beef, rich homemade broth, corn, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and zucchini. Slow cooked until every ingredient is full of flavor, this comforting dish represents family, tradition, and the warmth of homemade Mexican cooking. 🍲🥩🌽🇲🇽✨

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