The Carne Mechada Puerto Rican Recipe is very tasty. It is a beef dish that many people love. The beef is soft and juicy with nice spices.
Puerto Rican families eat this meal for lunch or dinner. It is warm, rich, and feels like home food. You can enjoy it with rice, beans, or plantains.
In this blog, you will learn step by step. You will see tips, serving ideas, and storage ways. By the end, you will know this dish well.
Why You’ll Love This Carne Mechada Puerto Rican Recipe
- It has bold flavors.
- The beef is very soft.
- Perfect for family meals.
- Easy to save and reheat.
- Goes well with many sides.
This meal brings joy in every bite.
Recipe Detail Info
- Recipe Name: Carne Mechada Puerto Rican Recipe
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican / Latin
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories (per serving): ~320
Equipment List
You need simple tools:
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Forks or tongs
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients You Need for Carne Mechada Puerto Rican Recipe
Here are the ingredients for Carne Mechada:
- 2 lbs beef flank or brisket
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green pepper, sliced
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
These bring strong Puerto Rican taste.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the beef
Wash the beef. Dry it. Add salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the beef
Heat oil in a pot. Brown beef on all sides. Add broth and bay leaves. Cover and cook 2–3 hours.
Step 3: Shred the beef
Take beef out when soft. Let it cool. Shred with forks.
Step 4: Make the sauce
In the same pot, cook onions, peppers, and garlic. Add tomato paste, sauce, and spices. Stir well.
Step 5: Mix beef with sauce
Add shredded beef back in. Cook for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Serve hot
Your dish is ready. Serve with rice, beans, or plantains.
Tips to Make the Best Carne Mechada Puerto Rican Recipe
- Cook beef slow for softness.
- Use fresh garlic for better taste.
- Shred carefully, do not rush.
- Add vinegar for extra flavor.
- Rest beef before shredding.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with rice and beans.
- Add fried plantains.
- Eat with tortillas.
- Pair with avocado salad.
- Use in sandwiches.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Keep leftovers in a tight container.
- Store in fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a pan with broth.
- Do not microwave too long.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrate | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Health Benefits
- Good protein for muscles.
- Vitamins from peppers and onions.
- Healthy fats from olive oil.
- Iron from beef gives energy.
- A filling meal.
Carne Mechada Puerto Rican Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef flank or brisket
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 green pepper sliced
- 1 red pepper sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the beef
- Wash the beef. Dry it. Add salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the beef
- Heat oil in a pot. Brown beef on all sides. Add broth and bay leaves. Cover and cook 2–3 hours.
Step 3: Shred the beef
- Take beef out when soft. Let it cool. Shred with forks.
Step 4: Make the sauce
- In the same pot, cook onions, peppers, and garlic. Add tomato paste, sauce, and spices. Stir well.
- Step 5: Mix beef with sauce
- Add shredded beef back in. Cook for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Serve hot
- Your dish is ready. Serve with rice, beans, or plantains.
Notes
- Cook beef slow for softness.
- Use fresh garlic for better taste.
- Shred carefully, do not rush.
- Add vinegar for extra flavor.
- Rest beef before shredding.
FAQs about Carne Mechada Puerto Rican Recipe
Q1: What beef is best?
Flank steak or brisket is best.
Q2: Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Q3: Can I freeze Carne Mechada?
Yes, freeze in small portions.
Q4: What sides go well?
Rice, beans, plantains, or salad.
Q5: How long does it cook?
About 3 hours.
Final Thoughts!
The Carne Mechada Puerto Rican Recipe is a true classic. It is warm, tasty, and full of flavor. The beef, spices, and sauce feel like comfort food.
Now you know how to make Carne Mechada step by step. You also know tips, sides, and storage tricks.
Try this recipe for your family or guests. They will love it. This dish is not just food. It is a taste of Puerto Rican tradition.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!