Steak Ranchero
Tender strips of seared steak simmered in a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce with onions, jalapeños, and bell peppers. This hearty Tex-Mex classic is full of flavor and perfect for wrapping in warm tortillas.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Season the Steak
- b.Pat the steak strips completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- c.In a medium bowl, toss the steak with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper until evenly coated.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Steak
- b.Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Working in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, add half of the steak in a single layer. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until deeply browned.
- d.Transfer the seared steak to a plate and repeat with the remaining steak. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- c.Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bloom Spices and Build the Sauce
- b.Add the tomato paste, cumin powder, dried oregano, and chili powder. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- c.Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the beef broth. Add the remaining 0.25 teaspoon of salt.
- d.Bring the sauce to a simmer, using a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer to Tenderness
- b.Return the seared steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet.
- c.Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the steak is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice.
- c.Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- d.Serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, and beans.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender steak, choose a cut like sirloin, flank, or skirt steak and be sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
- 2Don't skip searing the steak in batches. This creates the Maillard reaction, which builds a deep, savory flavor base for the dish.
- 3Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño seeds you leave in. For a milder dish, remove all seeds and membranes.
- 4For a richer sauce, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine or beer after sautéing the vegetables and before adding the tomatoes.
- 5This dish develops more flavor over time. It's an excellent make-ahead meal for the next day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs (cut into strips) or pork shoulder (cubed). Adjust simmering time accordingly until the protein is tender.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or corn. Add them along with the bell peppers.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
For a smoky twist, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the other spices.
Rancher's Eggs (Huevos Rancheros con Bistec)Rancher's Eggs (Huevos Rancheros con Bistec)
Serve the Steak Ranchero over a lightly fried corn tortilla and top with a fried or poached egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the steak, a form of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and transporting oxygen in the blood.
Packed with Vegetables
With onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic, this recipe is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health.
Source of Lycopene
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. Cooking tomatoes, as in this sauce, can increase the bioavailability of lycopene.
Frequently asked questions
Sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak are excellent choices. They are flavorful and become tender when sliced thinly against the grain and simmered in the sauce. You can also use chuck roast, but it will require a longer simmering time to become tender.