Bistec Ranchero

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This Bistec Ranchero is a classic Mexican dish made with thin slices of tender steak simmered in a flavorful ranchero sauce made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. Itโ€™s a simple yet delicious meal that brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table and is perfect with warm tortillas, rice, and beans.


Ingredients

For the Steak

  • 2 lbs (900 g) thinly sliced beef steak
    (sirloin, flank steak, or chuck steak)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Ranchero Sauce

  • 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 large white onion, sliced
  • 2โ€“3 jalapeรฑos or serrano peppers, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • ยฝ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • ยผ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1โ€“2 potatoes, sliced and pan-fried
  • Sliced avocado
  • Queso fresco
  • Pickled jalapeรฑos

Instructions

1. Season and Cook the Steak

  1. Pat the steak slices dry.
  2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear the steak for 1โ€“2 minutes per side until browned.
  5. Remove steak and set aside.

2. Prepare the Ranchero Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add onions and peppers.
  2. Cook for 3โ€“4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down.
  5. Stir in cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add beef broth and simmer for 10โ€“15 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and flavorful.

3. Finish the Bistec Ranchero

  1. Return the steak to the skillet with the ranchero sauce.
  2. Cover and simmer for 10โ€“15 minutes until the meat is tender and absorbs the flavors.
  3. Stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Bistec Ranchero with:

  • Warm corn or flour tortillas
  • Mexican rice
  • Refried beans
  • Charro beans
  • Guacamole
  • Pico de gallo
  • Salsa verde
  • Fresh lime wedges

Tips for the Best Bistec Ranchero

  • Use thin-cut steak for the most authentic texture.
  • Marinate the steak for 30 minutes with lime juice, garlic, and spices for extra flavor.
  • Donโ€™t overcook thin steak โ€” a quick sear keeps it tender.
  • For a richer sauce, roast the tomatoes, onions, and peppers before blending.
  • Add potatoes for a traditional homestyle version.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

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Bistec Ranchero Recipe (Authentic Mexican Steak with Ranchero Sauce)

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