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Home » Meat and Poultry » Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)

Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)

Last updated on April 13, 2018. Originally posted on April 5, 2018 by Lalaine. 34 Comments

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Caldo de Res made with beef shanks, potatoes, corn, and vegetables. This Mexican beef soup is hearty, delicious and the perfect comfort food!

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.

Caldo de Res cooked in one pot. With tender beef potatoes, corn and vegetables in flavorful broth, it's perfect with warm tortillas!

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 made with beef shanks, potatoes, corn, and vegetables. This Mexican beef soup is hearty, delicious and the perfect comfort food!
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Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)

4.25 from 45 votes
Caldo de Res made with beef shanks, potatoes, corn, and vegetables. This Mexican beef soup is hearty, delicious and the perfect comfort food!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time2 hrs 40 mins
Course: Main Entree, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 407kcal
Author: Lalaine

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

Serving: 771g | Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 39.9g | Protein: 45.4g | Fat: 8.3g | Saturated Fat: 2.8g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 1009mg | Potassium: 1815mg | Fiber: 8.8g | Sugar: 8.9g | Vitamin A: 5250IU | Vitamin C: 89.9mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 7.9mg
Tried this recipe? I'd love to see what you made!mention @Onionringsandthings and hashtag photo with #onionringsandthings
Caldo de Res made with beef shanks, potatoes, corn, and vegetables. This Mexican beef soup is hearty, delicious and the perfect comfort food!
Caldo de Res cooked in one pot. With tender beef potatoes, corn and vegetables in flavorful broth, it's perfect with warm tortillas!

 

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Filed Under: Meat and Poultry, Soups, Stews and Casseroles Tagged With: beef

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Hello! My name is Lalaine and Welcome to Onion Rings and Things where you’ll find comfort food recipes, crafts, and printables. Read more...

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Comments

  1. Lupe Artz says

    October 1, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    5 stars
    Exactly like my mom
    I gave this recipe to everyone in the family
    and friends.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      October 20, 2019 at 1:38 pm

      Thank you so much! “Exactly like my mom” is the best compliment ever 🙂

      Reply
  2. Pamela Rosselli says

    February 15, 2019 at 10:57 am

    5 stars
    This was an amazing recipe. I loved it and it is my favorite soup……

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      February 15, 2019 at 8:00 pm

      Thank you so much for the feedback. I am glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  3. Richard says

    December 10, 2018 at 5:48 pm

    This is a great Caldo filled with healthy portions of vegetables and meat mmmmm mmmmmm

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      December 15, 2018 at 11:24 am

      Thanks, Richard. I am glad you enjoyed the soup. It really is hearty, tasty, and so perfect for cold weather 🙂

      Reply
  4. Cindy Ingalls says

    January 9, 2017 at 8:22 pm

    This soup looks so hearty. I love all the veggies in there. They are a great compliment to the beef.

    Reply
  5. Melissa Damon-Moore says

    January 8, 2017 at 11:31 am

    This looks so tasty and perfect for the winter weather we’ve been having!
    x
    Missy
    Popofstyle.com

    Reply
  6. Paula says

    January 7, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    This soup looks delicious! It’s finally starting to get a bit cold here so I will have to try it out soon!

    Reply
  7. Anosa says

    January 7, 2017 at 4:42 am

    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

    Reply
  8. tauyanm says

    January 6, 2017 at 10:34 pm

    mmm! i need this recipe! thank you! winter here in dubai and this would totally make a good meal for my family

    Reply
  9. Robin Rue says

    January 6, 2017 at 6:28 pm

    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.

    Reply
  10. Rosey says

    January 6, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    IT looks nice and hearty. Perfect for this cold snap we are going through.

    Reply
  11. Anna nuttall says

    January 6, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    5 stars
    Yum I love this recipe. I must make this weekend. xx

    Reply
  12. Coralie says

    January 6, 2017 at 12:06 pm

    This looks really good. My husband would love it. He is a huge meat eater. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  13. Andrea says

    January 5, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  14. Elizabeth O. says

    January 5, 2017 at 6:19 pm

    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!

    Reply
  15. Debra Schroeder says

    January 5, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    We just made a huge pot of beef stew the other night. I’ll have to try this Mexican version next time.

    Reply
  16. hey sharonoox says

    January 5, 2017 at 1:45 pm

    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!

    Reply
  17. Dana Vento says

    January 5, 2017 at 12:06 pm

    Beef Soup sounds very nice and warm. A spice of Mexican flavor is just what I need. Easy instructions here, I appreciate it!

    Reply
  18. mhaan a says

    January 5, 2017 at 10:32 am

    5 stars
    Wow it looks delicious. My family will surely love this! Thanks for sharing your recipe.

    Mhaan | http://www.mommyrockininstyle.com

    Reply
  19. Jenn @ Drink Coffee & Prosper says

    January 5, 2017 at 9:29 am

    Yum, looks delish. My hubby loves caldo too. I might try this recipe soon.

    Reply
  20. Jocelyn Cañasa Brown says

    January 5, 2017 at 1:29 am

    Yum! I have never heard of this before. But it looks so good! I definitely have to try this soon!

    Reply
  21. Sarah-Louise Bailey says

    January 4, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    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.

    Reply
  22. Jasmine Eclipse says

    January 4, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    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!

    Reply
  23. Amber Myers says

    January 4, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    5 stars
    I love soups so much. This one looks so delicious.

    Reply
  24. Kiwi says

    January 4, 2017 at 6:16 pm

    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!

    Reply
  25. Tara L says

    January 4, 2017 at 5:41 pm

    Wow never heard of Mexico Beef Soup all the veggies are big and bulky. I think my husband would like this a lot actually.

    Reply
  26. Cynthia says

    January 4, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    5 stars
    I lived in the Southwest for many years and I love Mexican food. This soup reminds me of lazy Sunday’s with my friends.

    Reply
  27. Chloe says

    January 4, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    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.

    Reply
  28. Jennifer Gilbert says

    January 4, 2017 at 8:49 am

    Wow! This sounds delicious. I love the variety of vegetables and seasonings. I’ll have to try this!

    Reply
  29. Monica Le says

    December 4, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    5 stars
    This makes me wish the cold weather would stick around… such a warm and cozy soup!

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      December 6, 2016 at 12:46 pm

      Yes, it’s hearty, delicious, and just perfect for the chilly weather. 🙂 Thanks, Monica.

      Reply
  30. Erin says

    December 4, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    My boys would love this recipe. Hearty & stick to your ribs-perfect for winter.

    Reply

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