(Traditional Mexican Beef Soup with Vegetables)
Old Fashioned Caldo de Res is a beloved traditional Mexican soup made with tender beef shank, rich homemade broth, and large pieces of fresh vegetables like corn, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and zucchini. Slow simmered until the flavors come together, this comforting soup is the kind of meal that reminds many people of family kitchens, Sunday gatherings, and recipes passed down through generations.
Full Recipe (Ingredients + Instructions)
For the Beef Broth 🥩
Ingredients
- 4–5 pounds beef shank with bone (chamorro de res)
- 1½ pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 12 cups water
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons beef bouillon (optional)
For the Vegetables 🥕🌽
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 3 ears of corn, cut into pieces
- ½ large cabbage, cut into wedges
- 2 zucchini, cut into large pieces
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
Optional Chile Blend 🌶️
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, seeds removed
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Broth
Place beef shank and chuck roast in a large stockpot.
Cover with water.
Bring to a boil and skim off any foam that rises to the top.
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
- Salt
- Pepper
Reduce heat and simmer:
2½–3 hours
until the meat is tender.
Step 2: Make the Chile Base (Optional)
Toast dried guajillo chiles lightly in a skillet.
Soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
Blend with:
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Beef broth
Strain and add to the soup for deeper color and flavor.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add vegetables in stages:
First:
- Corn
- Carrots
- Potatoes
Cook for about 15 minutes.
Then add:
- Cabbage
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Tomatoes
Cook another 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Add fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve hot with:
- Lime wedges
- Warm tortillas
- Salsa
- Chopped onion
- Fresh cilantro
Extra Recipe Tips & Variations ✨
🥩 Authentic Meat Choice
Beef shank with bone and marrow creates the richest, most flavorful broth.
🌶️ Chile Colorado Style
Add extra dried chiles for a deeper red broth.
🍚 Caldo de Res with Rice
Serve with a scoop of Mexican rice inside the bowl.
🫘 Heartier Version
Add cooked pinto beans for extra comfort.
🌽 More Traditional Vegetables
Some families add:
- Chayote
- Green beans
- Squash
Flavor Upgrades / Secret Tips 🔥
✅ Roast the tomatoes and onion before adding for deeper flavor.
✅ Always simmer low and slow—the broth is the heart of the dish.
✅ Keep the bone-in meat for maximum richness.
✅ Add lime juice right before eating to brighten the flavors.
✅ The soup tastes even better the next day.
Serving Ideas 🍽️
Serve with:
🌮 Corn 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 separately from vegetables for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Warm slowly on the stove until hot.
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 meat and vegetables used.)
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 cut of beef is best?
A: Beef shank with bone is traditional because it creates a rich broth, but chuck roast also works well.
Q: Can I make Caldo de Res in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Cook the beef and broth on LOW for 8 hours, then add vegetables during the final hour.
Q: Why is my broth cloudy?
A: Boiling too hard can make the broth cloudy. A gentle simmer creates a clearer broth.
Social Media Captions ❤️
Facebook Style:
“Nothing warms the heart like a big bowl of Old Fashioned Caldo de Res ❤️🥩 A traditional Mexican beef soup filled with tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a rich homemade broth made with love.”
Instagram Style:
“A bowl full of comfort 🇲🇽🥕 Slow simmered beef, fresh vegetables, and the flavors of home.”
Short Viral Caption:
“Grandma’s soup will always have a special place at the table. ❤️🍲”
Family Memory Style:
“Some recipes are more than food—they are memories. ❤️ Caldo de Res is the kind of meal that brings generations together around the same table.”
Final Food Description 🍴
Old Fashioned Caldo de Res is a traditional Mexican beef soup made with tender bone-in beef, rich homemade broth, and hearty vegetables like corn, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and zucchini. Slow cooked with love and served with fresh toppings, this comforting dish represents the warmth and tradition of Mexican home cooking. 🥩🌽🥕🇲🇽✨