Filipino Beef Mechado (with Instant Pot Instructions)
Introduction
Filipino Beef Mechado offers a bold, savory, and subtly tangy flavor that brings comfort food to a whole new level. This classic Filipino stew features tender beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with vegetables, aromatic spices, and just the right amount of acidity. Not only is it incredibly filling, but it’s also a true crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners and festive gatherings alike.
Why Filipino Beef Mechado is a Must-Make
What makes Beef Mechado truly unique is its depth of flavor: the combination of soy sauce, tomato sauce, citrus, and slow-cooked beef creates a harmony that’s hearty yet nuanced. Using the Instant Pot streamlines the process, giving you melt-in-your-mouth beef and delicious sauce in a fraction of the traditional cook time—all without sacrificing flavor.
The Secret to Perfectly Tender Beef Mechado
For this dish, using beef chuck or brisket ensures maximum tenderness. Marinate the beef briefly with soy sauce, lemon (or calamansi) juice, and pepper to build layers of flavor. Browning the beef before pressure cooking enhances the dish’s rich profile. Add potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers toward the end to maintain their texture and color.
How to Make Filipino Beef Mechado in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for making Mechado on busy weeknights. After browning the meat using the Sauté function, combine the other ingredients and set to Pressure Cook for perfectly fork-tender beef. The vegetables are added in the final minutes to keep them vibrant yet tender—a perfect balance.
Serving Suggestions for Classic Filipino Beef Mechado
Serve this flavorful stew steaming hot over fluffy white rice, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. A squeeze of calamansi or lemon, and a side of pickled vegetables, enhance the savory and tangy undertones. Beef Mechado also makes fantastic leftovers—the flavors deepen and develop even more after sitting overnight.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 5 hearty servings. Each serving typically contains 430–480 calories, depending on the specific beef cut used and added vegetables. Beef Mechado is nourishing and filling, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal—enjoy it moderately for a well-balanced diet.
Beef Mechado (Recap)
This classic Filipino stew combines tender beef, a tangy tomato-soy sauce, and vibrant veggies for a truly satisfying meal. The Instant Pot adaptation saves time while preserving flavor, making it a winning option for both traditionalists and busy home cooks.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to generate a ready-to-use shopping list, sorted by store section. This makes prepping your Filipino menu a seamless and organized experience.
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine beef cubes with soy sauce, lemon (or calamansi) juice, and pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for 20 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
- Brown the Beef: Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Heat oil and brown the beef cubes in batches to develop flavor. Set browned beef aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot, and cook until softened and fragrant, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Return beef to the pot. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth; add bay leaves, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir to combine. Seal the Instant Pot lid, set to Pressure Cook/Manual on high for 35 minutes.
- Quick Release & Add Veggies: After cooking, do a quick release. Open lid, add potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper. Reseal and pressure cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Final Touches: Perform one last quick release. Discard bay leaves, taste and adjust salt as needed. Stir well.
- Serve: Ladle Mechado over rice, sprinkle with parsley or green onions, and enjoy!
Weekly Meal Planning
Beef Mechado is ideal for cooking in batches and enjoying throughout the week—its flavor only improves as it sits. Save and schedule this recipe on CookifyAI to plan your Filipino-inspired dinners, and automatically consolidate ingredients with your other planned meals.
Planning Benefits:
- Calculates total ingredient quantities for the week—no overbuying or waste
- Organizes your shopping list by store section for quick grocery runs
- Keeps your weekly meal prep streamlined and stress-free
Pro tip: Schedule your recipes to see ingredient overlaps with other beef or produce-based dishes. This not only makes meal planning easier but also helps reduce food waste and saves money.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Enjoy the authentic taste of Filipino Beef Mechado with the speed and convenience of an Instant Pot—your family and future self will thank you!