(Traditional Mexican Beef & Vegetable Soup with Red Chile Broth)
Mole de Olla is a traditional Mexican soup made with tender beef, bone-in cuts, fresh vegetables, and a rich red chile broth. Despite the word “mole,” this dish is not the thick chocolate-based mole sauce—it is a rustic, comforting stew known for its deep chile flavor, warmth, and homemade taste. Often enjoyed with family on weekends, Mole de Olla is a true Mexican comfort food classic.
Full Recipe (Ingredients + Instructions)
For the Beef & Broth 🥩
Ingredients
- 4 pounds beef shank with bone (chamorro de res)
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 12 cups water
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Red Chile Sauce 🌶️
Ingredients
- 5 dried guajillo chiles, cleaned and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 2 dried pasilla chiles (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves
- ½ onion
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 2 cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups beef broth
Vegetables 🥕🌽
- 3 ears of corn, cut into pieces
- 3 medium potatoes, quartered
- 3 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 zucchini, thickly sliced
- 2 chayote squash, cut into chunks (optional)
- ½ head cabbage, cut into wedges
- 2 cups green beans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Place beef shank and chuck roast in a large pot.
Add:
- Water
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
- Salt
- Pepper
Bring to a boil and remove any foam from the surface.
Reduce heat and simmer:
2½–3 hours
until the beef is tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Chile Sauce
Toast dried chiles lightly in a dry skillet for a few seconds.
Do not burn them.
Soak chiles in hot water for:
15–20 minutes
Blend with:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Cloves
- Vinegar
- Beef broth
Blend until smooth.
Strain the sauce for a silky broth.
Step 3: Add Chile Flavor
Pour the chile sauce into the beef broth.
Simmer together for:
20–30 minutes
to develop flavor.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Add vegetables in stages:
First:
- Corn
- Carrots
- Potatoes
Cook for 15 minutes.
Then add:
- Zucchini
- Cabbage
- Green beans
- Chayote
Cook another 15–20 minutes until tender.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with:
- Lime wedges
- Warm corn tortillas
- Chopped onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Salsa
- Avocado slices
Extra Recipe Tips & Variations ✨
🌶️ Spicy Mole de Olla
Add chile de árbol peppers for extra heat.
🥩 Extra Rich Broth
Use more bone-in beef cuts for deeper flavor.
🍖 Pork Mole de Olla
Some regions prepare it with pork instead of beef.
🥔 More Traditional Vegetables
Add:
- Corn
- Epazote
- Chayote
- Nopales
for an authentic variation.
🍚 Serve with Rice
Add a scoop of Mexican rice to the bowl for a heartier meal.
Flavor Upgrades / Secret Tips 🔥
✅ Toasting the dried chiles brings out their smoky flavor.
✅ Strain the chile sauce for a smooth traditional broth.
✅ Cook the beef low and slow—the meat should almost fall apart.
✅ Add fresh lime right before eating to brighten the flavors.
✅ The soup tastes even better the next day.
Serving Ideas 🍽️
Serve with:
🌮 Corn tortillas
🥑 Avocado
🧅 Diced onion
🌿 Cilantro
🍋 Lime wedges
🌶️ Salsa verde
🍚 Mexican rice
Perfect for:
- Sunday family meals
- Cold weather dinners
- Mexican celebrations
- Large gatherings
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: 550–700 kcal
- Protein: 45–55 g
- Carbohydrates: 45–60 g
- Fat: 25–35 g
- Fiber: 8–10 g
(Values vary depending on meat and vegetables.)
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Why is it called Mole de Olla?
A: “Mole” refers to a seasoned chile-based preparation, while “olla” means pot. It is a flavorful stew cooked in a pot.
Q: Is Mole de Olla the same as traditional mole sauce?
A: No. Traditional mole sauces are thick and complex, while Mole de Olla is a broth-based soup.
Q: What meat is best for Mole de Olla?
A: Beef shank with bone is traditional because the bone adds richness to the broth.
Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Cook beef and broth on LOW for 8 hours, then add vegetables during the final hour.
Social Media Captions ❤️
Facebook Style:
“A bowl of Mole de Olla is pure Mexican comfort food ❤️🍲 Tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich red chile broth made slowly with love—the perfect meal for bringing family together.”
Instagram Style:
“Slow simmered, full of tradition, and packed with flavor 🇲🇽🍲 Mole de Olla is the taste of home in every spoonful.”
Short Viral Caption:
“A Mexican classic that warms the soul ❤️🌶️”
Family Memory Style:
“Some recipes carry generations of memories. ❤️ Mole de Olla is more than soup—it’s family, tradition, and the love shared around the table.”
Final Food Description 🍴
Mole de Olla is a traditional Mexican beef soup featuring tender bone-in beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich red chile broth made from dried peppers and spices. Hearty, flavorful, and deeply comforting, this classic dish represents the warmth and tradition of Mexican home cooking. 🍲🥩🌶️🇲🇽✨