Carne Desmechada (Shredded Beef) is a staple in Colombian homes. It is a delicious, saucy dish that is packed with some many flavors such as onion, cumin, garlic, tomatoes and aromatic spices. This classic shredded beef dish is very easy to make and is great served over rice, patacones (fried plantains), or arepas. It can also be used as a filling for tacos or empanadas. This classic dish is very easy to make and packed with flavors. This is an dish that you can prepare ahead of time as it continues to get even more flavorful.
Prep Time: 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 2 hourshours30 minutesminutes
Total Time: 2 hourshours50 minutesminutes
Servings: 6servings
Calories: 313
Course: Main Course
Ingredients
2 - 2.5lbsflank steak, or chuck
2medium onion, quartered
6green onions
5garlic cloves, whole
8cupswater, or enough to cover the meat plus 2 inches
In a large pot add the water, meat, onion, garlic, green onions and beef bouillon if using. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to medium low. Cook covered for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the meat is cooked through and tender enough to be shredded.
Remove the meat from the pot and set aside to cool. Reserve the beef broth to be used later.
To prepare the hogao sauce, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the white onion and cook for 2-3 minutes or until transparent.
Add the green onion and garlic. Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-8 minutes or until softened and broken down. Season with the cumin powder and Sazón Goya or homemade seasoning mix.
Once the meat has cooled, shred with a fork or pull apart with your hands and add to the hogao sauce. Stir to coat the meat in the sauce.
If there is not enough liquid in the pot to evenly coat the meat, add some of the reserved broth from cooking the meat.
Simmer over low heat until the meat is tender, about 5-10 minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add additional broth as needed until desired saucy consistency.
Serve over rice or with arepas, patacones, or roasted plantains. Enjoy!
Notes
Sazón Goya is a store bought seasoning blend found in the international isle of most grocery stores.