When we think of Mexican cuisine, our minds often conjure images of hearty, warming dishes perfect for the chill of winter. However, Mexican-inspired chuck beef recipes are not confined to the frosty seasons; they can also be an absolute delight during spring and summer.
The rich flavours, bold spices, and tender chuck beef make for a winning combination that will have your taste buds dancing in any weather.
Today, we’re exploring three sensational Mexican-inspired chuck beef recipes that are not only perfect for warm-weather cooking but also ideal for easy catering and entertaining.
Chuck Beef: The Star of the Show
Before we dive into the delectable recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the star of our Mexican-inspired feast: chuck beef.
When you opt for grass-fed, ethically produced chuck beef, you’re not just indulging your taste buds; you’re making a conscious choice that benefits your health, the environment, and the animals.
Nutritional Benefits of Grass-Fed Chuck Beef
Grass-fed beef contains essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Compared to conventionally raised beef, it boasts higher levels of heart-healthy fats and lower levels of unhealthy saturated fats.
Grass-fed chuck beef is not only more nutritious but also boasts a robust, beefy flavour that enhances your Mexican dishes.
Ethical and Sustainable Choices
Choosing ethically produced beef means supporting sustainable farming practices and animal welfare.
Grass-fed beef, raised on natural pastures, leads to happier and healthier cattle. Plus, it reduces the carbon footprint of your meal, thanks to fewer food miles.
Now, let’s get cooking and explore three delightful Mexican beef recipes that will elevate your spring and summer gatherings.
Spicy Black Bean and Smoked Paprika Braised Chuck
Turn Up the Heat: A Flavour Explosion!
Imagine tender chunks of chuck beef infused with the smoky allure of paprika simmering in a spicy black bean stew.
This dish is a fiesta of flavours and textures, with the earthiness of black beans and the rich, bold taste of chuck beef coming together to create a harmonious and filling meal.
While it may seem like a winter comfort dish, its spicy kick and hearty nature make it surprisingly suitable for summer feasts.
Spicy Black Bean And Smoked Paprika Braised Chuck
Time
- Preparation: 20 min
- Cooking: 2 h 15 min
- Ready in: 2 h 35 min
Ingredients
- 600 g Chuck steak (diced)
- 1 Onion (sliced)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 3 tsp Smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Dried chilli flakes
- 4 cloves Garlic (chopped)
- 2 cups Beef stock
- 400 g tin Tomatoes (diced)
- 400 g tin Black beans (drained)
To serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170°C. Place a casserole over a medium high heat. Mix the beef with some olive oil and fry in batches for 6 minutes or until coloured. Place all of the meat back in the pan and add the onion, bay leaves, smoked paprika, chilli flakes and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the stock and tomatoes and bring up to the boil. Cover, and place in the oven for 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Add the black beans and cook, covered, for a further 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with soft tortillas, tomato salsa, coriander leaves and sour cream (optional).
Notes
- For a less spicy version, try ¼ tsp dried chilli flakes or simply omit them.
- Tinned black beans are often found in the Mexican food section of your supermarket, rather than with the other tinned beans.
Spicy Beef Chuck Tacos
Taco Tuesday Every Day!
Tacos are the epitome of Mexican street food, and when you fill them with spicy beef chuck, you take them to a whole new level.
With its marbling and tenderness, the chuck beef absorbs the fiery flavours of Mexican spices beautifully. This Mexican beef taco recipe is a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The portability of tacos makes them perfect for outdoor picnics and barbecues.
Spicy Beef Chuck Tacos
Time
- Preparation: 20 min
- Cooking: 2 h 15 min
- Ready in: 2 h 35 min
Ingredients
- 600 g Chuck steak (diced)
- 1 Onion (sliced)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 3 tsp Smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Dried chilli flakes
- 4 cloves Garlic (chopped)
- 2 cups Beef stock
- 400 g tin Tomatoes (diced)
- 400 g tin Black beans (drained)
Salad
- 2 Corn cobs
- 2 Ripe avocados (chopped)
- 100 g Feta cheese (crumbled)
- ¼ cup Coriander leaves
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- Soft tortillas (warmed, to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170°C. Place a casserole over a medium high heat. Mix the beef with some olive oil and fry in batches for 6 minutes or until coloured. Place all of the meat back in the pan and add the onion, bay leaves, smoked paprika, chilli flakes and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the stock and tomatoes and bring up to the boil. Cover, and place in the oven for 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Add the black beans and cook, covered, for a further 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and shred beef using two forks.
- Meanwhile grill the corn until slightly blackened, cool and remove kernels. To make the salad take the corn and gently toss through avocado, cheese, coriander and lime juice.
- When ready to serve prepare tortillas to packet instructions and top with beef and some salad.
Notes
- For a less spicy version, try ¼ tsp dried chilli flakes or simply omit them.
- Tinned black beans are often found in the Mexican food section of your supermarket, rather than with the other tinned beans.
At Provenir, we are also committed to the ‘paddock to plate‘ philosophy. This means we reduce the distance that meat travels to reach your plate as much as possible by using mobile abattoirs on the farms where animals are reared, which is also a more humane option for them.
Chuck Steak Burrito
Wrap It Up, Mexican-Style!
Burritos are a Mexican classic, and chuck steak burritos are a delightful twist on tradition.
When combined with fresh ingredients like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, the savoury chuck beef creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavours. These burritos are hearty yet surprisingly refreshing, making them an excellent choice for a summer meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
Chuck Steak Burrito
Time
- Preparation: 15 min
- Cooking: 1 h 40 min
- Ready in: 1 h 55 min
Ingredients
- 600 g Chuck steak (fat trimmed, cut into 3cm pieces)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup Chipotle in adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp Oregano leaves (finely chopped)
- 50 g Dark chocolate (chopped (optional))
- 450 g packet Long grain microwave rice
- 4 large Wholegrain tortillas
- ½ cup Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 400 g can Black beans (rinsed, drained)
- 1 Avocado (mashed)
- 2 Truss tomatoes (diced)
- Shredded iceberg lettuce, coriander sprigs, sour cream, lime wedges (to serve)
Instructions
- In a large casserole dish or saucepan heat the oil over medium heat and cook the onion for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the spices and cook for 1 minute. Add the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until browned. Add the chipotle sauce, oregano and ¾ cup water. Season, stir well and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 ½ hours or until beef is tender. Remove from heat and stir through the chocolate, if using.
- Meanwhile, prepare rice according to packet instructions.
- Warm tortillas according to packet instructions. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Top the tortillas with rice, beans, beef mixture, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, and coriander sprigs. Wrap up the burrito to enclose the filling and serve with sour cream and lime wedges.
Notes
- Gravy beef would also work well in this recipe
- The beef filling would also be great in tacos or quesadillas
- Chipotle in adobo sauce is available in the Mexican section of the supermarket or grocer.
Why Mexican Recipes with Chuck Beef Are Ideal for Spring and Summer
You might wonder why Mexican recipes with beef are suited for the warmer seasons. The answer lies in their versatility and capacity to please a crowd.
- Quick and easy: Mexican-inspired chuck beef dishes are often simple to prepare, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings. Minimal fuss in the kitchen means more time to enjoy the sunshine.
- Customisable: Tacos, burritos, and braised dishes can be customised with fresh, seasonal toppings. From crisp lettuce to zesty salsas, the possibilities are endless.
- Perfect for outdoor dining: Take your Mexican feast outdoors and savour the flavours of spring and summer. These dishes pair beautifully with a refreshing pitcher of margaritas or a cold cerveza.
- Crowd-pleasers: Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue or a weekend picnic with friends, Mexican-inspired chuck beef dishes will surely please every palate. They’re comforting yet light enough for warm-weather enjoyment.
- Nutrient-rich: Grass-fed beef adds an extra layer of nutrition to your meals, making them a wholesome choice even during the sunniest months.
Embrace the Sizzle of Mexican-Inspired Chuck Beef
Mexican-inspired dishes with chuck beef aren’t limited to cold-weather indulgence. These recipes bring the sizzle of Mexico to your spring and summer gatherings, delighting your taste buds with vibrant flavours and the rich, tender goodness of chuck beef.
When you choose grass-fed beef and support ethical eating practices, you’re not only indulging in delicious meals but also contributing to a more sustainable and humane food system.
So, whether you’re grilling up spicy beef tacos, rolling out chuck steak burritos, or savouring the depths of black bean and paprika braised chuck, you’re embracing the best of both worlds — culinary excellence and responsible dining.
Make this season a celebration of Mexican cuisine, chuck beef, and the joys of outdoor entertaining. Your guests will thank you for the unforgettable flavours, and the planet will thank you for your ethical choices.
Enjoy the sizzle!
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