Caldo de Res made with beef shanks, potatoes, corn, and vegetables. This Mexican beef soup is hearty, delicious and the perfect comfort food!
As you can see from the many recipes on the blog, I have a deep affinity for Mexican food. But although pollo asado, camarones a la diabla or the ubiquitous beef fajitas are on steady rotation at home, caldo de res is definitely my favorite one-pot Mexican comfort food. Because, really, what warms the soul and nourishes the body better than a hefty bowl of piping hot soup?
What is the Meaning of Caldo?
The Spanish word Caldo translates to broth, stock or soup. Popular examples are Caldo de pollo which means chicken soup, broth or stock and caldo de res which means beef soup, broth or stock.
The word is also used to describe liquids or juices of meat, fruits and other food. A good example is say, cucumbers are drizzled with lime juice and chili powder or beef is marinated in seasonings, the resulting juice or liquid is called caldo.
How to Make Caldo de Res
Caldo de Res is a traditional Mexican beef soup made with beef chunks and choice of vegetables which usually includes potatoes, corn, carrots, squash and cabbage. It’s a type of boiled soup wherein meat followed by the vegetables are simmered in a large pot until tender and cooked through. Garlic and onions add depth of flavor to the broth as well as seasoning with cumin and salt to taste.
The hearty soup is ladled in large bowls and topped off with cilantro, lime juice and hot sauce as desired. Spanish rice and warm corn tortillas are commonly served on the side as accompaniments.
What are Beef Shanks?
Beef shanks are a cut from the foreleg of the steer and are a common ingredient in making soups, gravies as well as stews such as osso bucco. As shanks are tough and sinewy, they are best cooked over a long period in moist heat.
While you can use beef stew meat or beef ribs, I use bone-in beef shanks or what are called chamorro in this caldo de res recipe as they bring the best flavor. The many hours of simmering to tenderize the meat really draw out incredible flavor from the bones!
Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in beef shanks
- 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and pounded
- 2 tomatoes, quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 4 corn, shucked and halved
- 4 large red potatoes, quartered
- 2 large carrot, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 4 Mexican squash, ends trimmed and cut into 2- chunks
- 8 green beans, ends trimmed and halved
- 1/2 head cabbage, quartered
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, stems trimmed and coarsely chopped
- water
Garnishes
- limes, cut into wedges
- cilantro, chopped
- hot sauce
Instructions
- Wash meat to remove any blood or impurities.
- In a deep pot, combine beef shanks and enough water to cover. Add onions, garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, and salt to taste.
- Over medium heat, bring to a boil, skimming scum that accumulates on top. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until meat tender. Add more water as needed during cooking to maintain about 8 to 10 cups.
- Add cumin.
- Add corn and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes and carrots and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add zucchini and green beans and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add cabbage and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add cilantro. Adjust seasonings if needed.
- Ladle into serving bowls and top with additional cilantro, drizzle with lime juice and hot sauce to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Exactly like my mom
I gave this recipe to everyone in the family
and friends.
Thank you so much! “Exactly like my mom” is the best compliment ever 🙂
This was an amazing recipe. I loved it and it is my favorite soup……
Thank you so much for the feedback. I am glad you enjoyed it.
This is a great Caldo filled with healthy portions of vegetables and meat mmmmm mmmmmm
Thanks, Richard. I am glad you enjoyed the soup. It really is hearty, tasty, and so perfect for cold weather 🙂
This soup looks so hearty. I love all the veggies in there. They are a great compliment to the beef.
This looks so tasty and perfect for the winter weather we’ve been having!
x
Missy
Popofstyle.com
This soup looks delicious! It’s finally starting to get a bit cold here so I will have to try it out soon!
This looks so good, its more like a stew than soup. It looks like a proper warming meal after a long day, need to add this to my list of recipes to try
mmm! i need this recipe! thank you! winter here in dubai and this would totally make a good meal for my family
This looks so delicious! I have never heard of it before but I need to give it a try for sure. I am positive my family would love it.
IT looks nice and hearty. Perfect for this cold snap we are going through.
Yum I love this recipe. I must make this weekend. xx
This looks really good. My husband would love it. He is a huge meat eater. Thanks for the recipe.
I make a lot of Mexican food, but haven’t ever tried this. I love the addition of halved corn cobs and cabbage. This looks delicious and I cant’ wait to try it!
I’m sure this tastes amazing. I don’t really eat beef or pork but it’s a nice addition to my soup recipes in case a family member asks for one. I like that it’s easy to make as well!
We just made a huge pot of beef stew the other night. I’ll have to try this Mexican version next time.
This looks like a perfect comfort soup for the cold weather. I know my hub is going to enjoy it. The pictures are all amazingly taken, it makes me feel hungry!
Beef Soup sounds very nice and warm. A spice of Mexican flavor is just what I need. Easy instructions here, I appreciate it!
Wow it looks delicious. My family will surely love this! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Mhaan | http://www.mommyrockininstyle.com
Yum, looks delish. My hubby loves caldo too. I might try this recipe soon.
Yum! I have never heard of this before. But it looks so good! I definitely have to try this soon!
It is one of the most nutritious meals I have ever seen. A combination of potato, carrots, squash, beef, squash, beans, cabbage, cilantro and much more. People find comfort and warmth in this kind of dishes.
Yum! This reminds me of a soup my dad used to make all the time when I was younger. Definitely something that would be great for the chilly months!
I love soups so much. This one looks so delicious.
Great job with the presentation of this! I love different types of soups and I would love to try this out I am gonna pin it!
Wow never heard of Mexico Beef Soup all the veggies are big and bulky. I think my husband would like this a lot actually.
I lived in the Southwest for many years and I love Mexican food. This soup reminds me of lazy Sunday’s with my friends.
My mouth was watering just reading this! It’s been storming and raining here so this sort of meal would be perfect to warm up.
Wow! This sounds delicious. I love the variety of vegetables and seasonings. I’ll have to try this!
This makes me wish the cold weather would stick around… such a warm and cozy soup!
Yes, it’s hearty, delicious, and just perfect for the chilly weather. 🙂 Thanks, Monica.
My boys would love this recipe. Hearty & stick to your ribs-perfect for winter.