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    Home » Recipes » Beef » Carne En Su Jugo + VIDEO

    Carne En Su Jugo + VIDEO

    Last Updated September 17, 2022. Originally Posted May 8, 2018 By Maggie Unzueta

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

    Carne En Su Jugo translated means “meat cooked in its own juices.” This traditional Mexican recipe comes from the state of Jalisco. It’s a flavorful and delicious beef soup cooked in a savory tomatillo broth. Usually served with beans. 
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Carne En Su Jugo, or Meat In Its Juices

    Carne En Su Jugo translated means “meat cooked in its own juices.” This traditional Mexican recipe comes from the State of Jalisco. It’s a flavorful and delicious beef soup cooked in a savory tomatillo broth. Usually served with beans.

    Carne En Su Jugo in a white bowl topped with cilantro beans bacon

    It was drizzling the other day in San Diego.

    For us, it was cold. 59 degrees… Brrr!

    I even had the heater on. Laugh, if you will, East Coasters. That meant soup.

    In this case, it meant Carne En Su Jugo. This soup is Mmm Mmm good!

    Bacon in a large pot

    This Carne En Su Jugo recipe starts with bacon.

    Some people will leave their bacon in large, long pieces.

    Since it is a soup, I like tiny, chopped up pieces. Remove from the pot and set aside.

    When the bacon is in large pieces, I have heard of people call this “carnes en su jugo,” as in plural.

    Beef cooking in bacon fat

    Season the beef with salt and pepper.

    Then cook it in the bacon fat.

    You can choose whatever cut of beef you like, but you need to chop it up into tiny pieces.

    Again, carne en su jugo is a soup. You want to make it easy to eat.

    Cilantro and more in a blender

    While this is happening, blend the tomatillos, garlic, onion, serrano peppers, and cilantro until smooth.

    Set aside until ready to use.

    Salsa verde uses cooked tomatillos. Here, the tomatillos are not cooked. They cook when added to the pot.

    In a pinch, it can be ok to use salsa verde. However, there are a few things you have to consider:

    If you do this, taste for salt. Whenever you combine two recipes, the salt levels change.

    I would add the salsa verde, then taste for salt. If it is too salty, add water.

    Beef and Bacon in a large pot

    You do not want to brown the meat.

    What you’re looking for is for the meat juices to come out.

    Then add half the bacon.

    Green Tomatillo sauce in pot

    Next add the tomatillo sauce from the blender. The sauce will be bright green, but it will change colors once it is cooked.

    Beef Bouillon in a metal tablespoon

    This Carne en Su Jugo recipe calls for beef bouillon.

    Add the water and beef bouillon to the pot. Bring to a simmer.

    Bouillon is a very popular ingredient in the Mexican cuisine. You can swap it out for salt or beef broth.

    Freezing Carne en Su Jugo

    This soup freezes very well. In the freeze, it can last up to 6 months.

    Make sure you cool completely before placing it in a freezer plastic bag. Then put it inside the freezer.

    It can last up 3-4 days in the fridge.

    Spoonful of Carne En Su Jugo, or Beef In Its Juices

    Carne En Su Jugo is served in a big bowl with beans and topped with cilantro. Some people will add radishes, or lime, or both.

    Tortillas are a must when eating this dish. You want savor all that flavor. Enjoy!

    Watch How to Make Carne En Su Jugo

    Carne En Su Jugo in a white bowl topped with cilantro beans bacon

    Carne En Su Jugo

    Carne En Su Jugo translated means “meat cooked in its own juices.” This traditional Mexican recipe comes from the state of Jalisco. It’s a flavorful and delicious beef soup cooked in a savory tomatillo broth. Usually served with beans. 
    4.94 from 48 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 463kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 6 slices bacon chopped
    • 2 lbs chuck roast cut into 1/2-inch pieces
    • 1 tbspn Salt
    • 1 tspn Pepper
    • ½ onion
    • 2 garlic cloves
    • 6 tomatillos
    • 1-2 serrano peppers if you like it spicy, add 2 serrano peppers
    • ½ bunch of cilantro
    • 6 cups water divided
    • 2 tablespoons beef bouillon
    • 2 cups pinto beans cooked
    • Cilantro for garnish
    • Lime wedges optional
    • Radishes optional

    Instructions

    • In a large pot, cook the bacon.
    • Remove the cooked bacon from the pot and set aside.
    • Season the beef with salt and pepper.
    • Reduce the heat.
    • Add the beef to the pot.
    • (You do not want to brown the beef. You simply want the beef juices to release).
    • In the meantime, add onion, garlic, tomatillos, serrano peppers, cilantro and 2 cups of water in a blender.
    • Blend until smooth.
    • Once the beef has released its juices, add the tomatillo sauce.
    • Return half of the bacon to the pot.
    • (Leave half of the bacon for garnish).
    • Add 4 cups of water and the beef bouillon.
    • Stir.
    • Taste for good measure.
    • Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
    • To serve, add 3-4 tablespoons of pinto beans to a large bowl.
    • Add a ladle full of the Carne En Su Jugo and top with cilantro (if using), radishes (if using) and serve with lime wedges.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Some people will cook the beans with the soup. To do this, add the beans to the soup in the last 5 minutes. 
    You can swap the serrano peppers for jalapenos. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 1255mg | Potassium: 899mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 5mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

    More Mexican Beef Recipes

    Slow cooker Birria de Res, or Mexican Beef Stew
    Beef Tamales, or Tamales de Res
    Ground Beef Taquitos
    Salpicón de Res
    Bistec Encebollado, Mexican Beef and Onions
    Bistec a la Mexicana
    Alambre de Res
    Mexican Picadillo
    Caldo de Res, or Mexican Beef Soup
    Alambre de Res, Northern Style Mexican Beef Skewers
    Barbacoa de Res, Beef Barbacoa
    Braised Chile Colorado Beef Shanks
    Slow Cooker Ancho Beef Tacos
    Beef with Roasted Poblano Chile and Potatoes, or Carne de Res con Rajas y Papas
    Caldillo Durangueño

    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. Janet

      May 18, 2020 at 5:46 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for dinner today and we loved it! I’ve had it before just never made it myself. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 9, 2020 at 3:38 pm

        One of my favorites! Glad you liked it

        Reply
    2. Patricia Barrow

      August 16, 2020 at 11:48 am

      5 stars
      New family favorite!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 17, 2020 at 11:27 am

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    3. Lupe Vigil

      August 23, 2020 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      This is Delicious!! Never had it before until today…wow! Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 24, 2020 at 4:03 pm

        This recipe is everything. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    4. Sandy B.

      October 18, 2020 at 9:19 am

      It’s a Family favorite! Thank you for this Great and super easy recipe to follow.

      Perfect for Fall weather ❤️

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        October 20, 2020 at 7:29 am

        Perfect for fall indeed. Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    5. Becky

      December 2, 2020 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      First time making this dish, and it was a hit!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 4, 2020 at 2:35 pm

        So glad to hear that!

        Reply
        • Gloria Burgos

          July 28, 2021 at 8:38 pm

          It was a success! Everyone liked it. Can’t wait to make again 😋

        • Maggie Unzueta

          July 30, 2021 at 11:04 am

          So good to hear. Glad everyone enjoyed this recipe!

    6. Becky

      February 5, 2021 at 3:51 pm

      5 stars
      Best carne en su jugo recipe! And so easy to make!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        October 11, 2021 at 4:33 pm

        Thank you! My family loves this recipe too.

        Reply
    7. Libby

      February 27, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      Yummy! I did cook in crockpot though. Felt like a long cook was in order! Squeeze of lime, pinch of cheddar cheese and a warm tortilla!!! Will definitely make again!!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 2, 2021 at 3:58 pm

        Glad you enjoyed this

        Reply
    8. tesha gluhak

      March 14, 2021 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      Everyone I make this soup for loves it. Thank you

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 5, 2021 at 2:48 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    9. J M

      July 8, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      My husband loved it and he is very picky!!! 😊❤️ Thank you!!! We love it!!! I will make it again!! 😋🤤

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 19, 2021 at 2:24 pm

        So glad he liked it. My hubby and son are super picky too. lol.

        Reply
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