Carne en su Jugo is a traditional Mexican dish that translates to 'meat in its juices.' This hearty and flavorful soup combines tender beef, crispy bacon, and savory pinto beans, all simmered in a rich tomatillo broth. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion, bringing the authentic taste of Mexico to your table.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to visit a supermarket for a few specific ingredients. Tomatillos are small green fruits with a husk, often found in the produce section. Pinto beans can be purchased canned or dried, but make sure they are cooked before adding to the dish. Fresh cilantro is essential for garnish, adding a burst of freshness to the final dish.

Ingredients for Carne en su Jugo Recipe
Beef: Thinly sliced beef is the main protein in this dish, providing a tender texture and rich flavor.
Water: Used to create the broth and simmer the ingredients together.
Pinto beans: These cooked beans add heartiness and a creamy texture to the soup.
Bacon: Chopped and cooked until crispy, bacon adds a smoky and savory element.
Tomatillos: Blended tomatillos give the broth a tangy and slightly acidic flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a robust and aromatic taste.
Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro is used as a garnish, adding a bright and fresh finish.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cooking the bacon, make sure to render out as much fat as possible by cooking it on medium-low heat. This will not only make the bacon crispy but also provide a flavorful base for cooking the beef.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
beef - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can be thinly sliced and will absorb the flavors of the dish well.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth and flavor compared to plain water.
pinto beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans have a similar texture and can provide a slightly different but still complementary flavor.
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides a smoky flavor.
tomatillos - Substitute with green tomatoes: Green tomatoes can mimic the tartness of tomatillos, though they are slightly less acidic.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder garlic flavor and add a hint of sweetness.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder onion flavor and a slightly different texture.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for cilantro.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami, enhancing the overall flavor.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different kind of spiciness to the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the carne en su jugo to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
- Transfer the carne en su jugo to an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the dish.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the carne en su jugo. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the carne en su jugo has been stored.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the carne en su jugo in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the beef and vegetables.
- Reheat the carne en su jugo on the stovetop over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving to revive the vibrant flavors and add a touch of freshness.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place the leftover carne en su jugo in a saucepan.
- Add a splash of water or beef broth to maintain moisture.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the carne en su jugo to a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Ensure it's evenly heated and garnish with cilantro.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the carne en su jugo in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat for 15-20 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Transfer the carne en su jugo to your slow cooker.
- Set to low heat and cover.
- Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used for cooking the bacon, browning the beef, and simmering the entire dish.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the bacon and beef while cooking.
Blender: Necessary for blending the tomatillos into a smooth mixture.
Knife: Essential for chopping the bacon, onion, garlic, and cilantro.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping all the ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients as they cook.
Measuring cups: Needed for measuring the water and cooked pinto beans.
Ladle: Perfect for serving the hot soup into bowls.
Serving bowls: Used to serve the finished dish.
Strainer: Optional, for rinsing the cooked pinto beans if needed.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the bacon, beef, onion, and cilantro ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned pinto beans instead of cooking them from scratch to save time.
Blend tomatillos ahead: Blend the tomatillos and store them in the fridge until needed.
Cook in batches: Cook the bacon and beef in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.
Simmer while prepping: Let the soup simmer while you prepare other ingredients to multitask efficiently.

Carne en su Jugo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef (thinly sliced)
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Pinto beans (cooked)
- 4 slices Bacon (chopped)
- 1 cup Tomatillos (blended)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 small Onion (chopped)
- 1 bunch Cilantro (chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- 2. In the same pot, add the beef and cook until browned.
- 3. Add the onion, garlic, and tomatillos. Cook for a few minutes until softened.
- 4. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- 5. Add the cooked pinto beans and bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
- 6. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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