Caldo de Res Recipe: Authentic Mexican Beef Soup with Rich Flavor

caldo de res recipe

Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of soup, and caldo de res recipe is a true classic! This Mexican beef soup, also known as beef broth, is packed with rich flavors and tender beef that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you're looking for a dish to warm up on a chilly day or need a meal to feed the family, caldo de res has got you covered.

If you love hearty, slow-cooked meals, you’ll definitely enjoy this slow cook beef stew recipe, where tender beef simmers in a savory broth. But today, we’ll focus on making caldo de res, a staple of Mexican cuisine that features carne de res (beef) along with fresh vegetables like corn, potatoes, and carrots to create a satisfying, flavorful meal. Let’s try this comforting recipe!

What Is Caldo de Res?

Caldo de res is a traditional Mexican soup made with simmering beef shank or oxtail and vegetables in a flavorful broth. The result is a hearty, nutrient-packed soup perfect for any occasion. The caldo de res receta​ typically includes a variety of vegetables such as corn, carrots, potatoes, and zucchini, creating a colorful and well-rounded dish. It’s a meal in itself, offering both protein and vegetables, and is often served with rice, tortillas, or a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients Used to in Caldo de Res Recipe

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 2.5-3 hours
  • Inactive Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Method: Stovetop

Ingredients for caldo de res recipe

  • 2 lbs beef shank or oxtail (or carne de res)
  • 12 cups water
  • 2 medium onions, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 ears corn, cut into 4 pieces
  • 2 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lime (for serving)

How to Make Caldo de Res

  1. Making the Broth: In a large pot, combine the beef shank (or oxtail), water, onions, garlic, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2-3 hours, skimming the foam off the top as needed. The longer you simmer the beef, the more tender and flavorful the broth will be.
  2. Adding the Vegetables: Once the beef is tender, add the carrots, potatoes, and corn to the pot. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
  3. Seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add fresh cilantro at the end for extra flavor.
  4. Serving: Serve the caldo de res hot with a squeeze of lime, and enjoy it with rice, tortillas, or just on its own.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, let the broth simmer longer to fully tenderize the beef.
  • You can substitute beef with oxtail or brisket for variation.
  • Serve this dish with rice, tortillas, or fresh salsa for the complete experience.

making caldo de res

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Ways to Customize Your Caldo de Res Recipe

Want to make your caldo de res receta even more flavorful? You can toss in some chili peppers for a little heat or swap out vegetables based on what you have in the fridge. Add some cabbage for an extra crunch or even throw in some green beans for added nutrition.

For a variation, try adding more spices, such as cumin or paprika, to give the broth a different depth of flavor. You can also use a slow cooker for even easier cooking—just let the ingredients simmer for 6-8 hours on low for perfectly tender meat and vegetables.

If you're craving a hearty and comforting meal, the caldo de res recipe is the perfect choice. This traditional Mexican beef soup, made with tender carne de res and fresh vegetables, is not only filling but also incredibly delicious. 

Whether you’re cooking with the caldo de res recipe for a family dinner or for a gathering, this flavorful soup will bring warmth and satisfaction to any table. At So Damn Delish, I love recreating classic comfort food recipes like this one, making them easy to prepare and enjoy.

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caldo de res recipe

Caldo de Res Recipe: Authentic Mexican Beef Soup with Rich Flavor

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5 from 4 reviews

Learn how to make a hearty caldo de res recipe with this simple guide from So Damn Delish. Enjoy a flavorful, comforting Mexican beef soup with rich flavor.

  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef shank or oxtail (or carne de res)
  • 12 cups water
  • 2 medium onions, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 ears corn, cut into 4 pieces
  • 2 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 12 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lime (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Boil beef with onions, garlic, and bay leaves for 2-3 hours.
  2. Add carrots, potatoes, and corn; simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Add zucchini and cook until tender.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and cilantro.
  5. Serve with lime.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, let the broth simmer longer to fully tenderize the beef.
  • You can substitute beef with oxtail or brisket for variation.
  • Serve this dish with rice, tortillas, or fresh salsa for the complete experience.
  • Author: SoDamnDelish
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours
  • Category: Salads & Soups
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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Meet Jen

Jen

"Hi, I'm Jen! Married to an awesome bearded dude named Beau. We live in Vero Beach, FL with our 3 cray-cray kiddos. We heart: fishing, salt water, and being outside. Here you’ll find DELISH recipes made with ingredients you actually know."

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