When the temperature drops and the air turns crisp, I find myself drawn to the kitchen, craving the warmth of a simmering pot of Caldo de Res. This traditional Mexican beef soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a soul-soothing embrace that brings families together around the table. Packed with tender chunks of beef, vibrant veggies, and nourishing flavors, this hearty dish ticks all the boxes for comfort food. One of the best perks? It’s incredibly customizable, allowing you to make it your own with a straightforward prep time that fits seamlessly into your busy life. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or seasoned home chef, the process of crafting this aromatic masterpiece will leave your heart warm and your taste buds dancing. Curious about how to fill your home with that welcoming aroma? Let’s dive into the comforting world of Caldo de Res! Why is Caldo de Res a Must-Try? Comforting Experience: Nothing beats the warmth of a steaming bowl of this beef soup that feels like a cozy hug on chilly days. Incredibly Versatile: You can easily customize the ingredients based on your preferences, whether you’re exploring vegetarian options or simply want to switch up the veggies. Rich, Hearty Flavor: The balance of tender beef, fresh veggies, and spices creates a soup that’s bursting with flavor, setting this apart from your usual fast food options. Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can make a delicious meal that impresses. Perfect for Sharing: Gather friends and family around for a delightful experience, making it the perfect dish for cozy evenings or family gatherings. Caldo de Res Ingredients For the Soup • Beef Shank or Chuck Roast (2 lbs) – The star of this dish, giving a rich and nutritious broth; try substituting with pork shoulder for a unique twist. • Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp) – Ideal for browning the beef to enhance flavor; olive oil works just as well. • Onion (1 large, chopped) – Adds a naturally sweet flavor to the base of the soup. • Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Infuses aromatic richness for an inviting aroma. • Carrots (2 medium, sliced) – Provide sweetness and color; parsnips can be a delightful swap if desired. • Potatoes (2 medium, diced) – Create heartiness and help thicken the soup; sweet potatoes are a fun alternative! • Zucchini (1 medium, sliced) – Adds a touch of freshness and mild flavor to balance the richness. • Corn Kernels (1 cup, fresh/frozen/canned) – Brings sweetness and texture; feel free to omit if you prefer! • Tomato (1 large, chopped) – Brightens the soup with acidity and freshness. • Jalapeño Peppers (1-2, chopped, optional) – Packs a spicy kick; adjust the quantity based on your heat preference. • Beef Broth or Water (8 cups) – The base for the soup; low-sodium broth is a healthier option. • Salt (1 tbsp, adjust to taste) – Essential for layering flavors in your Caldo de Res. • Black Pepper (1 tsp) – Adds a gentle spice and depth to the overall flavor profile. • Cumin (1 tsp) – Contributes a warm, earthy undertone that enhances the beefy goodness. • Oregano (1 tsp) – Infuses herbal notes that round out the flavors perfectly. For Garnish • Fresh Cilantro (for garnish) – Adds a burst of freshness; if cilantro isn’t your thing, feel free to leave it out! • Lime Wedges (for serving) – A squeeze of lime brightens each bowl, complementing the hearty flavors beautifully. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Caldo de Res Step 1: Brown the Beef Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 2 pounds of beef shank or chuck roast, searing each side until nicely browned—about 5 to 7 minutes. This process develops a rich flavor base for your Caldo de Res. Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic Next, introduce 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and fragrant. These aromatic ingredients deepen the flavor profile of your hearty soup. Step 3: Add Vegetables Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced zucchini, corn kernels, and chopped tomato. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. This vibrant medley will enhance the texture and nutrition of your Caldo de Res, making it even more comforting. Step 4: Add Broth Pour in 8 cups of beef broth or water, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Increase the heat to high until the mixture reaches a boil, then reduce the heat to low. This forms a soothing foundation for your soup while keeping flavors balanced. Step 5: Season the Soup Now, it’s time to sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Stir well to combine all the spices and herbs, enhancing the rich flavors of your Caldo de Res. Step 6: Simmer Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. This longer cooking time allows the beef to become fork-tender, mingling the flavors beautifully. Keep an eye on it, ensuring the soup doesn’t boil; a gentle simmer is key! Step 7: Incorporate Jalapeños In the last 10 minutes of simmering, add the chopped jalapeño peppers if you desire some heat. This step provides a nice kick that complements the rich broth perfectly while giving your Caldo de Res an extra layer of flavor. Step 8: Taste and Adjust Before serving, taste your soup and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning. This is your chance to elevate the flavors of your Caldo de Res, ensuring it’s just right for your palate. Step 9: Garnish Once satisfied, remove the pot from heat and ladle the delicious soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. This final touch makes your comforting Caldo de Res look as inviting as it tastes. Step 10: Serve with Lime Serve your Caldo de Res hot, accompanied by lime wedges. A squeeze of lime adds brightness and acidity that beautifully complements the rich flavors, making each bite even more delightful. Enjoy this comforting bowl with loved ones! Make Ahead Options Caldo de Res is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time during busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables and season them (onions, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To prevent browning, cover the cut potatoes in water until ready to use. Likewise, you can brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic up to 3 days ahead—just refrigerate them in a covered dish. When you’re ready to enjoy your hearty soup, simply combine the prepped ingredients, add the broth, and simmer until everything is perfectly tender. This way, you’ll have delicious, restaurant-quality Caldo de Res with minimal effort! What to Serve with Caldo de Res? When enjoying a steaming bowl of this hearty beef soup, consider delightful side dishes that elevate your meal to the next level. Warm Corn Tortillas: Perfect for scooping up the rich broth and tender meat, these soft tortillas add a comforting touch to your meal. Crusty French Bread: Ideal for dipping, a slice of crusty bread pairs beautifully with the warm soup, soaking up every flavorful drop. White Rice: Light and fluffy, rice makes a satisfying side that balances the bold flavors of the caldo, enhancing each spoonful. Avocado Salad: A refreshing mix of ripe avocado, lime juice, and cilantro will add creamy texture and brightness that complements the heat of the soup. Spicy Pickled Vegetables: Zesty and crunchy, these add a tangy bite that contrasts wonderfully with the hearty soup base, contributing additional flavor layers. Lime Wedges: Serve with your soup for a zesty squeeze that brightens the dish, perfectly balancing the rich, savory flavors of the caldo. Churros for Dessert: For a sweet finish, indulge in these crispy and sugary delights, which will leave everyone smiling after a comforting meal. How to Store and Freeze Caldo de Res Fridge: Store your leftover Caldo de Res in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down before sealing it to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Portioning it into smaller servings can help with quick reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat the Caldo de Res on the stovetop over medium heat until bubbling, or in the microwave until steaming hot. Stir well to ensure even heating and enjoy! Wrap Well: Always wrap or seal tightly when storing in the fridge or freezer to prevent freezer burn and retain the soup’s comforting flavors. Expert Tips for Caldo de Res Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality beef to truly elevate the flavors in your Caldo de Res. It makes a noticeable difference! Taste as You Go: Be sure to taste your soup throughout the cooking process. This allows you to adjust seasoning and ensure the flavors mesh harmoniously. Customize the Heat: Adjust the jalapeños according to your personal heat tolerance. You can also experiment with different peppers for varied spice levels. Vegetarian Options: To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and add hearty veggies like mushrooms and beans for protein. Storing Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months—just reheat thoroughly before enjoying again! Caldo de Res Variations & Substitutions Feel free to play around with this comforting recipe to make it uniquely yours—it’s all about personal taste! Pork Version: Replace beef with pork shoulder or ribs for a different flavor profile. The richness of pork adds another dimension to the broth, making it equally delightful. Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and substitute hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and chickpeas. This creates a nourishing vegan alternative without sacrificing flavor. Extra Spicy: Integrate sliced serrano peppers for a bolder kick. If you like it hot, this adjustment will elevate the heat level and excite your taste buds. Herb Variation: Infuse the soup with fresh thyme or bay leaves for an aromatic twist. These herbs will add new layers of flavor, leaving everyone wanting seconds. Sweet Potato Swap: Instead of regular potatoes, use sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness. This variation not only alters the flavor but also adds vibrant color to your dish. Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end for a silky texture. This creates a rich, comforting mouthfeel that pairs beautifully with the spices. Corn-Free Range: If you prefer to avoid corn, simply omit it or add peas for sweetness and texture without changing the soup’s essence. Bulk It Up: Add a can of drained black beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber. This is a great way to make your Caldo de Res heartier and more filling! For more tasty ideas, you might enjoy crafting a Cucumber Caprese Salad as a refreshing side or these delightful Mini Tropical Pavlovas for dessert! Caldo de Res Recipe FAQs How do I select the best beef for Caldo de Res? Absolutely! For the best flavor and tenderness, opt for cuts like beef shank or chuck roast, which have enough marbling to create a rich broth. Look for pieces with a nice pink color and some fat—this will ensure a flavorful soup. If you’d like to switch things up, pork shoulder is a wonderful alternative that brings a different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile to the table. How should I store leftover Caldo de Res? You can store your leftover Caldo de Res in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to let the soup cool down to room temperature before sealing to maintain its deliciousness. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just remember to label them with the date for easy tracking! What’s the best way to freeze Caldo de Res? Freezing Caldo de Res is a great way to preserve those comforting flavors! To freeze, first allow the soup to cool completely. Then, portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe bags or containers—this makes reheating a breeze. When ready to enjoy, place the soup in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until hot throughout. Enjoy that warming hug again! Can I make Caldo de Res vegetarian? Very! To create a delicious vegetarian version of Caldo de Res, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or chickpeas for added protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and keep all those vibrant veggies like carrots and zucchini for that comforting texture. Season generously to ensure it’s bursting with flavor, just like the original! What should I do if my soup is too salty? If you find your Caldo de Res has become too salty, there’s a simple fix! Add more water or unsalted beef broth gradually until the desired saltiness is achieved. Alternatively, adding diced potatoes can help absorb some of the excess salt—let them simmer for a while, and then you can either leave them in, or remove them. Taste along the way for adjustments! How do I adjust the spice level in Caldo de Res? To get your soup just right, start with a small amount of chopped jalapeño, adding more as needed. This way, you can keep it mild or ramp up the heat by integrating serrano peppers for an extra kick. It’s all about personal preference, so don’t hesitate to taste along the way and find your perfect balance! Caldo de Res: Your Go-To Hearty Comfort Food for Cozy Nights Caldo de Res is a traditional Mexican beef soup, rich in flavor and comfort, perfect for cozy nights with loved ones. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: SoupsCuisine: MexicanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup2 lbs Beef Shank or Chuck Roast can substitute with pork shoulder2 tbsp Vegetable Oil or olive oil1 large Onion, chopped4 cloves Garlic, minced2 medium Carrots, sliced can substitute with parsnips2 medium Potatoes, diced or sweet potatoes1 medium Zucchini, sliced1 cup Corn Kernels fresh, frozen, or canned1 large Tomato, chopped1-2 units Jalapeño Peppers, chopped optional8 cups Beef Broth or Water low-sodium is healthier1 tbsp Salt adjust to taste1 tsp Black Pepper1 tsp Cumin1 tsp OreganoFor GarnishFresh Cilantro for garnishLime Wedges for serving Equipment Large Pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 2 pounds of beef shank or chuck roast, searing each side until nicely browned—about 5 to 7 minutes.Next, introduce 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and fragrant.Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced zucchini, corn kernels, and chopped tomato. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.Pour in 8 cups of beef broth or water, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Increase the heat to high until the mixture reaches a boil, then reduce the heat to low.Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Stir well to combine all the spices and herbs.Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 1 hour, allowing the beef to become fork-tender, mingling the flavors beautifully.In the last 10 minutes of simmering, add the chopped jalapeño peppers if you desire some heat.Before serving, taste your soup and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning.Once satisfied, remove the pot from heat and ladle the delicious soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh cilantro.Serve your Caldo de Res hot, accompanied by lime wedges. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 950mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 15mg NotesFor a vegetarian version, swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and add hearty veggies like mushrooms and beans for protein. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
