Slow-Cooked Beef Tinga

This flavorful dish brings tender, slow-cooked beef simmered in a smoky, spicy tomato sauce that’s perfect for tacos or burritos. It’s an easy recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and satisfying comfort.

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TIME5 hr 30 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 ½ pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes 1 large onion, diced 5 cloves garlic, pressed ½ pound chorizo sausage 1 (14 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes 14 fluid ounces water 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 6 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, finely chopped 3 cups tomato juice, or as needed 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chuck on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking everything together until the onions soften and everything smells amazing, around 3 to 5 minutes. Once that’s ready, transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.

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Step 2

Next, use the same skillet to cook the chorizo. Stir it around until it’s nicely browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked chorizo to the slow cooker along with the kidney beans and diced tomatoes. Take an empty can, fill it with water, and pour that into the slow cooker to help everything simmer nicely.

03

Step 3

Stir in some tomato paste and chipotle peppers for a bit of smoky heat. Then, pour in enough tomato juice to fill the slow cooker almost to the top. Cover and let it cook on low for 5 to 7 hours, until the beef is super tender and the sauce has thickened up beautifully.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use a cut of beef with some fat, like chuck roast, for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Brown the beef before slow cooking to add extra depth to the dish.
- Adjust the level of chipotle peppers to control the spiciness to your liking.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is full of rich, smoky flavors and tender beef that melts in your mouth. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days because the slow cooker does most of the work. Plus, it’s a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.

Serving ideas

Serve with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a classic experience. It also pairs well with rice, black beans, or a simple side salad to balance the smoky heat.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dish also freezes well—just portion it out and freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.