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. Itโs 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
- 2โ3 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
- 1โ2 potatoes, sliced and pan-fried
- Sliced avocado
- Queso fresco
- Pickled jalapeรฑos
Instructions
1. Season and Cook the Steak
- Pat the steak slices dry.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steak for 1โ2 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove steak and set aside.
2. Prepare the Ranchero Sauce
- In the same skillet, add onions and peppers.
- Cook for 3โ4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down.
- Stir in cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add beef broth and simmer for 10โ15 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and flavorful.
3. Finish the Bistec Ranchero
- Return the steak to the skillet with the ranchero sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 10โ15 minutes until the meat is tender and absorbs the flavors.
- 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.
- Donโt 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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