Name: Deeply Comforting Caldo de Res – Authentic Mexican Beef Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 50 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lbs bone-in beef shank or beef stew meat; 8 cups water (or low-sodium beef broth); 2 large carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1/2 head cabbage, roughly chopped; 2 ears corn, cut into thirds; 1 medium onion, quartered; 2 Roma tomatoes, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1–2 potatoes, peeled and chopped; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp salt (to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, avocado chunks

Description

Caldo de Res is an authentic Mexican beef soup made with bone-in beef shanks simmered slowly with a colorful mix of vegetables like corn, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and cabbage. This deeply comforting dish is rich in flavor, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for family meals or cozy nights. Traditionally served with rice, lime, and fresh cilantro, it’s a nourishing classic that warms the soul.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs bone-in beef shank or beef stew meat
8 cups water (or low-sodium beef broth)
2 large carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 zucchini, sliced
1/2 head cabbage, roughly chopped
2 ears corn, cut into thirds
1 medium onion, quartered
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, avocado chunks

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, place beef shanks and cover with water. Bring to a boil, skim foam, add salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, and cumin. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
Add carrots, celery, potatoes, and corn. Simmer 15–20 minutes until just tender.
Add zucchini and cabbage, simmer 5–7 minutes more.
Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

Use bone-in beef for maximum flavor and richness.
Skim broth during simmering for a clear, clean soup.
Stagger vegetables for perfect texture—root vegetables first, soft vegetables later.
For a spicier version, add jalapeños, chipotle, or dried chiles.
Store broth and meat separately from veggies if freezing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Category: Soups, Mexican Recipes, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meals
Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker option
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 330
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Caldo de Res, Mexican Beef Soup, Comfort Food, Authentic Mexican Recipes, Gluten-Free Soup