Bistec Ranchero

Bistec Ranchero with Potatoes and Poblano Peppers

Bistec Ranchero, a traditional Mexican dish, combines tender beef steak, roasted poblano peppers, potatoes, and a flavorful homemade ranchero salsa. This one-pan meal is hearty and satisfying, ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With layers of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, this dish is a comforting yet exciting way to enjoy beef and vegetables.

Ingredients

• For the Bistec Ranchero:
• 1 ½ lb beef steak, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1-7 oz can of roasted and sliced poblano peppers (drained; see notes)
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Ranchero Salsa:
• 1 lb tomatoes
• ½ small onion
• 2 jalapeño peppers
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste

Preparing the Ranchero Salsa

Ranchero salsa is a spicy, rustic tomato sauce that adds a smoky kick to the dish. Preparing it from scratch ensures freshness and authentic flavor.

1. Roast the Vegetables: Place tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, onion, and garlic on a cast iron skillet or comal over medium heat. Roast until the skins of the tomatoes and peppers are charred, and all vegetables are softened. Roasting develops a deep, smoky flavor in the salsa.
2. Blend the Ingredients: Place the garlic, cumin seeds, salt, and roasted onion into a blender along with ½ cup of water. Blend for about a minute until the ingredients are well incorporated. Add the roasted jalapeños and tomatoes to the blender, pulsing two or three times to create a slightly chunky, rustic texture. If you prefer a smoother salsa, blend longer until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Alternative Method: For an even more authentic approach, use a molcajete (Mexican mortar and pestle) to grind the roasted ingredients by hand, which gives the salsa a unique texture and enhances the flavor.

Cooking the Bistec Ranchero

After preparing the salsa, you’ll cook the beef and potatoes in one pan, allowing the flavors to meld together for a rich, comforting meal.

1. Season the Beef: In a large mixing bowl, season the thinly sliced beef steak with salt, garlic powder, pepper, and ground cumin. Toss to coat the meat evenly with the seasonings.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over high heat. Add the seasoned beef slices in a single layer and sear them for about a minute, stirring occasionally to ensure they’re browned on all sides. This searing step helps lock in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.
3. Cook the Beef Slowly: After searing, cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. The beef will continue to cook gently in its own juices, becoming tender. If the pan starts to dry out, add a small amount of water (just a few tablespoons) to create steam, which will help the beef cook through without drying out. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the beef is very tender.

Adding Potatoes, Onions, and Salsa

Once the beef is tender, it’s time to bring the dish together with potatoes, onions, and the homemade ranchero salsa.

1. Add the Potatoes and Onions: Uncover the pan and add the sliced onions and cubed potatoes to the cooked beef. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes over medium heat, allowing the onions to soften slightly and the potatoes to begin cooking.
2. Incorporate the Salsa: Pour the prepared ranchero salsa over the beef, onions, and potatoes. Season with additional salt if needed, stirring to evenly coat all ingredients with the salsa. Add enough water to just cover the ingredients, which will create a flavorful broth and help the potatoes cook evenly.
3. Add Poblano Peppers: Mix in the roasted poblano peppers, which add a mild, smoky flavor to the dish. Cover the pan and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the beef and salsa.

Serving Suggestions

Bistec Ranchero is best served hot, accompanied by traditional Mexican sides.

1. Serve with Warm Tortillas: Enjoy Bistec Ranchero with warm corn or flour tortillas, perfect for scooping up the meat, potatoes, and salsa.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top before serving for added freshness and flavor.
3. Add Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges on the side for a burst of acidity that complements the richness of the beef and the heat of the salsa.

Tips for the Best Bistec Ranchero

• Choosing the Beef: Opt for a tender cut of beef like sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly, for the best results. This allows the meat to cook quickly while remaining tender.
• Control the Heat: Jalapeños add moderate heat, but you can adjust by adding more or fewer peppers to the salsa, or by using milder peppers if you prefer.
• Roasting for Flavor: Roasting the vegetables for the salsa is key to achieving a deep, smoky flavor. Don’t skip this step, as it adds authenticity to the dish.
• Cooking Potatoes Evenly: Cut potatoes into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and absorption of the flavors in the salsa.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Bistec Ranchero can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

What can I use instead of poblanos?
If you can’t find poblano peppers, try using canned green chilies or fresh green bell peppers for a milder flavor. Roasting them will still add a bit of that smoky element.

Is this dish spicy?
Bistec Ranchero has a moderate level of heat, mainly from the jalapeños in the salsa. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the number of jalapeños or substituting them with milder peppers.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken or pork for the beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if using a leaner cut of meat.

Enjoy this comforting, hearty Bistec Ranchero with family and friends. It’s a perfect blend of tender beef, flavorful potatoes, and smoky salsa, capturing the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine.