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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 46 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. Laney

      October 4, 2018 at 10:18 am

      This looks delicious! Would this be a type of stewed meat?

      Reply
    2. Debbie

      August 27, 2019 at 3:26 pm

      5 stars
      Even though I can not pronounce this soup I would totally make it !! I love your explanation of everything and step by directions. I am with you , when the weather drops down into the 50’s it is time for soup. I can’ t wait to try this one.

      Reply
    3. Veena Azmanov

      August 27, 2019 at 9:38 pm

      5 stars
      I am drooling with the look of this delicious dish. Awesome and flavorful combinations of ingredients. I have to check this out on my weekends.

      Reply
    4. Leslie

      August 29, 2019 at 11:26 am

      This recipe looks super simple and packed with flavor! Love that it’s high in protein as well! YUM!!

      Reply
    5. Jacqui Debono

      August 29, 2019 at 11:43 am

      5 stars
      Just in time for the weather to get cooler! Can’t wait to try this soup!

      Reply
    6. Anne Lawton

      August 29, 2019 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      It’s not quite soup season for me, but I will be making this as soon as the weather turns chilly! I love everything about this soup especially the tomatillos!

      Reply
    7. Linda

      August 30, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      The weather was 55F when I was in Chicago few years ago and I bundled myself in thick layers while they went out without a jacket. So yeah, being a Cali gal is tough and I need this soup. Plus, Fall is almost here and I can’t wait to try this recipe.

      Reply
    8. Kylee

      August 30, 2019 at 2:18 pm

      5 stars
      This is the ultimate comfort food. We get cold in Phoenix at 59 degrees too! bring on that bacon!

      Reply
    9. Sharon

      August 31, 2019 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      This soup sounds like the perfect fall and winter comfort food recipe I’ve been looking for!

      Reply
    10. Donna

      September 1, 2019 at 3:37 am

      5 stars
      Love this, SO MUCH FLAVOUR!! Definitely a keeper in this house!

      Reply
    11. Kushigalu

      September 1, 2019 at 11:53 am

      5 stars
      This is something new to me. Looks so flavorful and delicious. Pinned!

      Reply
    12. Amanda M Mason

      September 1, 2019 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      What an amazing looking soup!! I love, “meat cooked in its own juices”…that alone sounds so flavorful! I’ve never heard of this type of soup but I’m absolutely going to be making this one!!

      Reply
    13. Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme

      September 1, 2019 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      Another dish I grew up with! Definitely pinning this for the cooler months!

      Reply
    14. Jacque

      September 27, 2019 at 11:23 pm

      5 stars
      Tried this recipe out today and loved it! Carne en su Jugo is one of my favorite dishes and this recipe did not disappoint. Served with fresh frijoles de la olla it was a huge hit! So simple to follow and so tasty, thanks!

      Reply
    15. Alyssa

      January 20, 2020 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      I have used this recipe several times. I have realized that I have to at least double it! It is sooooo delicious!! Amazing 🙂 My husband says it is better then his mom’s…so thank you!! I will absolutely recommend this recipe to all of my family and friends!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 31, 2020 at 1:26 pm

        I’m so happy to read this! Glad you guys liked it!

        Reply
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