Beef chuck or round: 2 lbs (900g), cut into 2-inch cubes
Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (for marinating the beef)
Lemon juice or vinegar: 2 tablespoons (for marinating the beef)
Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Onion: 1 large, sliced
Potatoes: 2 large, peeled and quartered
Carrots: 2 medium, sliced into rounds
Canned diced tomatoes: 14 oz (400g) or fresh tomatoes, diced
Tomato sauce: 1/2 cup
Beef broth or water: 2 cups
Bay leaves: 2
Red bell pepper: 1, sliced into strips
Green peas: 1/2 cup (optional)
Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, combine the beef cubes with soy sauce and lemon juice or vinegar. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for better flavor, leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
Brown the Beef:
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and brown the beef on all sides. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Set the browned beef aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and onion until translucent and fragrant.
Simmer the Beef:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the reserved marinade, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth or water, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Add Vegetables:
Once the beef is tender, add the potatoes and carrots. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are cooked, about 20 minutes. Add more broth or water if the stew is getting too thick.
Final Touches:
Add the red bell pepper strips and green peas (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender but still crisp.
Serve:
Remove the bay leaves. Serve the Mechado hot with steamed rice, enjoying the rich flavors of the sauce with the tender beef and vegetables.
