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4.9 from 39 votes

Carne Desmechada (Colombian Shredded Beef)

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 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 20 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 50 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 313 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Colombian

Ingredients

  • 2 - 2.5 lbs flank steak (or chuck)
  • 2 medium onion (quartered)
  • 6 green onions
  • 5 garlic cloves (whole)
  • 8 cups water (or enough to cover the meat plus 2 inches)
  • 1 beef bouillon cube (optional)
Hagao Sauce
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 medium onions (finely diced)
  • 6 green onion (finely chopped)
  • 5 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
  • 4 medium tomatoes (seeded and finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 packets Sazón Goya, approximately 1 tbsp (or Triguisar, Bijol or homemade seasoning blend below)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
Homemade Seasoning Blend
  • ½ teaspoon ground annatto, achiote, paprika or turmeric (this is mainly for color. Use paprika if you cannot find annato or achiote.)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside to cool. Reserve the beef broth to be used later.
  4. 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.
  5. Add the green onion and garlic. Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. If there is not enough liquid in the pot to evenly coat the meat, add some of the reserved broth from cooking the meat.
  9. Simmer over low heat until the meat is tender, about 5-10 minutes.
  10. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add additional broth as needed until desired saucy consistency.
  11. 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.
  • Sazón Goya is a store bought seasoning blend found in the international isle of most grocery stores.

Nutrition Information

Calories 313kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 35g (70%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 7g Cholesterol 91mg (30%) Sodium 366mg (15%) Potassium 923mg (26%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 934IU (19%) Vitamin C 23mg (26%) Calcium 102mg (10%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 313

% Daily Value*

Calories 313kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 35g 70%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 91mg 30%
Sodium 366mg 15%
Potassium 923mg 20%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 934IU 19%
Vitamin C 23mg 26%
Calcium 102mg 10%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.