Carne en su Jugo is a traditional Mexican dish that translates to 'meat in its juice.' This flavorful and hearty recipe combines thinly sliced beef with crispy bacon, pinto beans, and a tangy tomatillo broth. It's a comforting meal perfect for any occasion, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Tomatillos are small green fruits with a husk, often used in Mexican cuisine for their tart flavor. Pinto beans are a type of legume that can be found canned or dried. Make sure to check the international or Hispanic food aisle at your supermarket for these items.

Ingredients for Carne en su Jugo Recipe
Beef sirloin: Thinly sliced beef that serves as the main protein in the dish.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy texture and flavor.
Water: Used to create the broth for the dish.
Pinto beans: Adds heartiness and texture to the recipe.
Tomatillos: Blended to create a tangy base for the broth.
Garlic: Minced to add aromatic flavor.
Onion: Chopped to add sweetness and depth.
Salt: Used to season the dish to taste.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and seasoning.
Cilantro: Chopped and used as a fresh garnish.
Lime: Cut into wedges to add a zesty finish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cooking the bacon, make sure to render out as much fat as possible by cooking it over medium heat. This will not only make the bacon crispy but also provide a flavorful base for the beef and onion. Additionally, when blending the tomatillos, you can add a bit of the cooking water to achieve a smoother consistency. This will help the sauce integrate better with the other ingredients.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
beef sirloin - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative to beef sirloin.
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a lower-fat option that still provides a smoky flavor similar to traditional bacon.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth and flavor to the dish compared to plain water.
pinto beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans have a similar texture and nutritional profile, making them a suitable replacement for pinto beans.
tomatillos - Substitute with green tomatoes: Green tomatoes can provide a similar tartness and texture when blended, making them a good alternative to tomatillos.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well in place of garlic.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish, making them a good substitute for onions.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for cilantro in most recipes.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon provides a similar acidity and brightness, making it a good alternative to lime.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the carne en su jugo to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.
Transfer the cooled beef sirloin mixture to an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to avoid any contamination.
If you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days, store it in the refrigerator. Place the container in the coldest part of the fridge to keep it fresh.
For longer storage, consider freezing. Portion the carne en su jugo into individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for freezing. Label each container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
When using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the quality of the beef and bacon.
To reheat, thaw the frozen carne en su jugo in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Reheat the dish on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Once heated through, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can degrade the quality of the carne en su jugo. Only reheat the portion you plan to consume.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place the leftover carne en su jugo in a saucepan.
- Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges 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 is heated evenly and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
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 about 20 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Transfer the carne en su jugo to the slow cooker.
- Add a small amount of water or broth to keep it moist.
- Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours.
- Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used for cooking the bacon, beef, and simmering the entire dish.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients while cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Tongs: Useful for handling the bacon and beef while cooking.
Blender: Needed to blend the tomatillos into a smooth consistency.
Knife: Essential for chopping the bacon, onion, garlic, and cilantro.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the water and cooked pinto beans accurately.
Ladle: Handy for serving the finished dish into bowls.
Serving bowls: Used to serve the final dish.
Lime squeezer: Optional but useful for squeezing lime wedges over the dish before serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add it to the pot when needed.
Use canned beans: Save time by using canned pinto beans instead of cooking them from scratch.
Pre-blend tomatillos: Blend the tomatillos in advance and store the puree in the fridge for quick access.
Chop ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, garlic, and cilantro beforehand and store them in airtight containers.
Quick beef slicing: Partially freeze the beef sirloin for easier and quicker slicing.
Carne en su Jugo Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 4 slices Bacon, chopped
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Pinto beans, cooked
- 1 cup Tomatillos, blended
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, chopped
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 bunch Cilantro, chopped
- 1 whole Lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- 1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- 2. In the same pot, add the beef and cook until browned.
- 3. Add the onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- 4. Pour in the blended tomatillos and water. Bring to a boil.
- 5. Add the cooked pinto beans and crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
- 6. Simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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