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    Home » Recipes » Beef » Bistec a la Mexicana

    Bistec a la Mexicana

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted August 10, 2021 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Bistec a la Mexicana is made of beef cooked in a savory and rich tomato sauce. It’s a hearty stew that’s deep with flavor and comforting goodness.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Bistec a la Mexicana is a delicious and savory Mexican dish. It is made of beef in a spicy tomato sauce and ready in under 30 minutes. Typically served with rice, beans, and corn tortillas. by Mama Maggie's Kitchen
    Bistec a la Mexicana served on a decorative clay plate next to beans and nopales.

    Bistec a la Mexicana is simply delicious! 

    I love this dish for so many reasons. Mainly, though, because it reminds me of home. 

    Mexican home cooks are famous for their guisados (or stews) like this one. Other favorites include Carne con Papas, Picadillo, and Asado de Puerco. 

    Wait til you try this recipe! The aroma of meat simmering in a tasty tomato sauce will make your mouth water.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients needed to make Bistec a la Mexicana labeled and spread out on a wooden surface.

    Here are some substitutions for the ingredients above. 

    If you can’t find Jugo Maggi, you can also use Worcestershire sauce or Oyster sauce. 

    For the spicy food lover, use serranos instead of jalapenos. Serranos are spicier than jalapenos. 

    Raw beef strips on a decorative Mexican clay plate.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What type of beef is Bistec?

    • Bistec refers to any thinly cut piece of beef. Most commonly you’ll see chuck shoulder steak, top butt, or sirloin thinly sliced and labeled as “bistec.”

    What’s the difference between Bistec and carne asada?

    • Bistec comes from the English word “beefsteak.” It is a thin cut of beef used in stews or grilling. 
    • Carne asada is grilled meat that is either flap steak or skirt steak. 

    What are beef strips?

    • Beef strips are thinly sliced pieces of beef sometimes referred to as “fajita strips” or “stir fry strips.” They are used in dishes that can be done quickly. 

    Why does Mexican beef taste different?

    • Beef in Mexico is raised differently than beef in the US. The cows in Mexico are given different hormones and foods to eat which causes their meat to taste different.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    A collage showing how to make the tomato sauce.
    • Add the tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapenos, salt, and water in a blender. 
    • Blend until smooth. 
    • Set this aside until ready to use.  

    Using Canned Tomato Sauce:

    Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce instead, but you need to add 1 cup of water to the skillet when adding the tomato sauce. 

    You will ALSO need to add the garlic and jalapeno to the skillet. Don’t forget to taste for salt.

    Raw beef strips cooking in a skillet.
    • Heat the oil. 
    • Season the beef, and add to the skillet. 

    Be sure to use a large skillet that is big enough to hold everything. 

    Can’t find beef strips at the store? Buy chuck roast and chop it into long strips. 

    Be sure to get a cut that has some some FATTY marbling. Fat helps keep the meat juicy when cooking and adds flavor. 

    For those of you watching your calories, you can also chop beef loin or beef round into strips.

    A collage showing how to cook the beef strips.
    • Add the Jugo Maggi, onion, jalapeno, garlic, and tomatoes. 
    • Mix to combine and cook uncovered. 

    Many people also add diced potatoes to this dish. If using, add the potatoes at this point.  

    Another great addition to this recipe are veggies like calabacitas, broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms. 

    A wooden spoon moving the cooked beef strips to the side.

    See how all the liquid has dissolved? Now is the time to add the tomato sauce. 

    Yes, you can skip the liquid evaporating step, but… 

    We are developing FLAVOR in the meat. 

    The other reason to do this is to SOFTEN the meat. The longer meat cooks, the softer it will be. You want the collagen and fat time to break down.

    A blender pouring tomato sauce into a skillet with cooked beef.
    • Add the tomato sauce and beef bouillon.
    • Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes. 

    The smell of this Mexican guisado cooking is simply AMAZING! 

    Just as is, this dish is perfect, but you might also see it wrapped up in a flour tortilla in the shape of a burrito.

    Cooked beef strips in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

    Side Dishes:

    Frijoles de la Olla

    Mexican White Rice

    Nopalitos 

    Corn Tortillas

    Bistec a la Mexicana served on a decorative clay plate next to beans and nopales.

    Bistec a la Mexicana is one of those classic Mexican dishes that screams comfort food. One bite, and you’ll want to lick your plate clean. 

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Bistec a la Mexicana served on a decorative clay plate next to beans and nopales.

    Bistec a la Mexicana

    Bistec a la Mexicana is made of beef cooked in a savory and rich tomato sauce. It’s a hearty stew that’s deep with flavor and comforting goodness.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 7 minutes
    Cook Time: 27 minutes
    Total Time: 34 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 387kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    For the Tomato Sauce:

    • 3 tomatoes quartered
    • ¼ onion quartered
    • 1 jalapeño stem and seeds removed
    • 1 garlic clove finely diced
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 tsp Salt

    For the Beef:

    • 1 lb beef strips (thin sliced, about 2-inch pieces)
    • 1 tsp salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 4 splashes Jugo Maggi About 1 tbsp (or use Worcestershire sauce)
    • 1 tomato diced
    • 1/4 onion diced
    • 2 jalapenos finely diced
    • 1 garlic clove finely diced
    • 1/2 tsp beef bouillon

    Instructions

    To Make the Tomato Sauce:

    • Add 3 tomatoes, 1/4 onion, 1 garlic clove, water, and salt in a blender.
    • Blend until smooth.
    • Set aside until ready to use.

    For the Beef:

    • Heat the oil in a large skillet.
    • Meanwhile, season the beef with salt, pepper, and cumin.
    • Place the meat in the skillet to cook.
    • Add the Jugo Maggi, onion, jalapeno, garlic, and tomatoes.
    • Mix to combine.
    • Cook uncovered for 7-8 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated.
    • Add the tomato sauce and the beef bouillon.
    • Cover with the lid and cook for 15 minutes.
    • Serve and enjoy.

    Notes

    Note: If the tomato mixture is too thick, add a 1/2 cup of water. Stir and cook for a few minutes. 
    Instead of Jugo Maggi, you can use Worcestershire sauce or Oyster sauce. 
    To use Canned Tomato Sauce, add it to the skillet as noted in the recipe along with 1 cup of water. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1267mg | Potassium: 675mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1147IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Beef, Mexican, Recipes

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chels Leigh

      February 3, 2019 at 9:24 pm

      I can almost smell this dish from looking at all the pictures! It doesn’t seem too hard to make annnd it takes less than 20 minutes so I’m thinking I need to make this sometime for dinner!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 17, 2021 at 11:52 am

        Yes, you so should!

        Reply
    2. Tiffanie Anne

      February 3, 2019 at 10:20 pm

      I am sold! I would never think this recipe is easy and doable, but you have totally changed that! I can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 17, 2021 at 11:53 am

        You’re going to love this recipe!

        Reply
    3. Kiwi

      February 4, 2019 at 12:14 am

      I love a good mexican dish. I would love to recreate this but make this pescatarian friendly maybe I can switch the beef for shrimp.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 17, 2021 at 11:53 am

        Yes, there is a camarones rancheros which is the shrimp version and very similar. https://inmamamaggieskitchen.com/camarones-rancheros/

        Reply
    4. Lyosha

      February 4, 2019 at 1:13 am

      5 stars
      looks super delicious! Making me feel starving. Very filling, perfect winter dish!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 17, 2021 at 11:54 am

        Yes. You can eat this dish all year long.

        Reply
    5. char pay

      February 4, 2019 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      this looks so easy. I’d add turkey bacon. I love a quick recipe. I”ll try this out.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 17, 2021 at 11:54 am

        Mmm. That sounds like a tasty addition.

        Reply
    6. Paris Chanel

      February 4, 2019 at 11:16 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve had this quite a few times and love it!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 17, 2021 at 11:51 am

        That’s awesome. Great to hear you enjoy this recipe.

        Reply
    7. Becca Talbot

      February 6, 2019 at 2:06 am

      5 stars
      Yummy!! This looks and sounds delicious – I’d definitely like to try this one day x

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 17, 2021 at 11:55 am

        Hope you do. You won’t be disappointed.

        Reply
    8. Shayna

      April 5, 2019 at 5:59 am

      What kind/cut of beef is this?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 17, 2021 at 11:54 am

        I believe it was chuck, but you can use any cut that is thinly sliced.

        Reply

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