Mechado Filipino Beef Stew

Mechado is the kind of dish that tells a story the moment it hits the table. This beloved Filipino beef stew traces its roots to Spanish influence, taking its name from mecha, or “wick,” a nod to the old technique of threading pork fat through lean beef to keep it juicy during a long, slow braise. While modern versions skip the larding, the spirit of the dish remains the same. A rich tomato base, savoury soy sauce, bright pops of calamansi, and hearty potatoes and carrots come together in a deeply comforting one-pot stew that’s as soulful as it is satisfying. 

Once the beef is browned, everything else is wonderfully hands-off. It’s a true one-pot stew where simple pantry staples do the heavy lifting, and time becomes the most important ingredient. No fussy techniques, no constant stirring, just a slow simmer that rewards patience with depth and richness.

That ease is exactly what makes mechado such a natural cold-weather weeknight-friendly comfort dish. The kitchen fills with the gentle aroma of tomatoes, garlic, bay leaf, and soy sauce bubbling away, the kind of scent that feels like a warm hug for the senses. The beef turns meltingly tender, the sauce thickens into something spoon-clinging and savoury, and suddenly you have a meal that begs to be ladled over hot rice on a dark, chilly evening.

Mechado Filipino Beef Stew (adapted by Kitchn)

Serves 6

1 Tbsp. neutral oil, such as canola
3-pounds boneless beef chuck roast/stewing beef, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced 
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups water
1-3/4 cups prepared tomato sauce
1/3 cup soy sauce 
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
3 dried bay leaves
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 large or 4 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 

lime or calamansi, juice for splashing (optional)

Steamed rice for serving

sliced green onions, red onions and hot sauce at the table

Note: This recipe can be made entirely on the stovetop, or you can do Steps 5 and 7 in the oven. If using the oven, arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F; make sure your pot is oven-safe.

Note: I made 1-1/2 times recipe for a big batch with leftovers!

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of the boneless beef chuck roast pieces and sear, stirring occasionally, until browned all over about six to eight mins. Transfer to a large plate. Add the remaining beef to the pot and repeat searing. Transfer all of the beef to the plate.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add onions and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in water, tomato sauce, soy sauce, sugar, dried bay leaves, and ground black pepper. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Return the beef pieces and their juices to the pot and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cover and transfer the pot to the oven, or cover and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Stir in potatoes and carrots. Scatter the chopped bell pepper over the top.

Cover and return to the oven, or bring back to a simmer and cover again. Cook until the beef is very tender, about an hour more.

Remove and discard the bay leaves. Brighten with a splash of citrus (optional)

Serve hot with steamed rice. Sumptious!

Mechado is the kind of stew that develops even better overnight, when the flavours have had time to deepen and mingle. So make a large batch- double the recipe and enjoy it with effortless pleasure the next day!  It’s unfussy, deeply satisfying, and quietly generous, the sort of dish that makes winter cooking feel less like a chore and more like self-care.

Leftover mash potatoes and steamed rice make a great duo base.
I love serving this with Rude Mama's hot sauce 🌶

Full Recipe:

Mechado Filipino Beef Stew (adapted by Kitchn)

Serves 6

1 Tbsp. neutral oil, such as canola
3-pounds boneless beef chuck roast/stewing beef, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced 
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups water
1-3/4 cups prepared tomato sauce
1/3 cup soy sauce 
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
3 dried bay leaves
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 large or 4 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 

lime or calamansi, juice for splashing (optional)

Steamed rice for serving

sliced green onions, red onions and hot sauce at the table

Note: This recipe can be made entirely on the stovetop, or you can do Steps 5 and 7 in the oven. If using the oven, arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F; make sure your pot is oven-safe.

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of the boneless beef chuck roast pieces and sear, stirring occasionally, until browned all over about six to eight mins. Transfer to a large plate. Add the remaining beef to the pot and repeat searing. Transfer all of the beef to the plate.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add onions and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened. Stir in water, tomato sauce, soy sauce, sugar, dried bay leaves, and ground black pepper. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Return the beef chuck roast pieces and their juices to the pot and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cover and transfer the pot to the oven, or cover and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Stir in potatoes and carrots. Scatter the chopped bell pepper over the top.

Cover and return to the oven, or bring back to a simmer and cover again. Cook until the beef is very tender, about an hour more.

Remove and discard the bay leaves. Brighten flavour with a splash of citrus.

Serve hot with steamed rice and condiments at the table.