Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)

4.8
(363)

Caldo de res is a Mexican beef soup that's extremely hearty and satisfying. The hind shank flavors the broth beautifully as does the marrow in the bones. Garnish with slivered raw onion, lime juice, jalapeños, and more cilantro.

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Caldo de ros in a bowl
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
2 hrs
Total Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
8

Warm up on a cold night with this caldo de res recipe. 

What Is Caldo De Res?

Caldo de res is a Mexican beef and vegetable soup. The bone-in beef shank is cooked in the broth, giving the soup a rich and meaty flavor. 

How to Make Caldo De Res

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Caldo De Res Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this caldo de res recipe: 

  • For the soup: bone-in beef shanks, vegetable oil, salt and pepper, onion, beef broth, diced tomatoes, water, carrots, cilantro, chayotes, corn, potatoes, and cabbage
  • To garnish: cilantro, pickled jalapenos, finely chopped onion, lime wedges, and quartered radishes

How to Make Homemade Caldo De Res

  1. Cut the meat from the bone, leaving some on the bone, and cut into cubes. 
  2. Cook the meat and bones, seasoned with salt and pepper, in oil until brown. 
  3. Cook the onion, then stir in the broth and tomatoes. Simmer until the meat is tender.
  4. Add water, return to a simmer, then add carrots and cilantro. 
  5. Stir in the remaining vegetables and cook until tender. 
  6. Ladle into bowls and add garnishes. 

How to Store Caldo De Res

Store your leftover caldo de res in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“This recipe is absolutely perfect and will deliver a wonderfully hearty soup that will warm you up on cool days,” raves janlyn. “It is very satisfying. I wouldn't change a thing!”

“Love, love, loved it!” raves Jennifer. “I used beef top blade short ribs boneless and beef bones instead of beef shank. It was melt-in-the-mouth delicious!”

“This recipe is absolutely delicious! It was so easy and came out just like my grandma used to make in El Paso. I love it with a side of Mexican rice, corn tortillas and lots of lime. Love it!”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

Soup:

  • 2 pounds beef shank, with bone

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 3 cups beef broth

  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • 4 cups water

  • 2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • 2 chayotes, quartered (Optional)

  • 2 ears corn, husked and cut into thirds

  • 1 potato, quartered (Optional)

  • 1 medium head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges

Garnishes:

  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • ¼ cup sliced pickled jalapeños

  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion

  • 2 limes, cut into wedges

  • 4 radishes, quartered

Directions

  1. Cut the meat from the beef bones into about ½-inch pieces, leaving some on the bones.

  2. Heat a heavy soup pot over medium-high heat until very hot. Add oil, tilting the pan to coat the bottom. Add meat and bones and season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until thoroughly browned.

  3. Add onion and cook until lightly browned; stir in broth and tomatoes. The liquid should cover the bones by ½ inch. If not, add some water to compensate. Reduce heat to low; simmer with the lid on loosely until meat is tender, about 1 hour.

  4. Pour in 4 cups water, and return to a simmer. Add carrots and 1/4 cup cilantro, and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in chayote, corn, and potato; simmer until vegetables are tender. Push cabbage wedges into soup; cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

  5. Ladle soup into large bowls, including some meat, vegetables, and bones. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and minced onion. Squeeze lime juice over soup and serve with radishes.

    caldo de res

    sugarpie414

From the Editor

Please note the differences in ingredient amounts and cook time when using the Allrecipes magazine version of this recipe.

745 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

234 Calories
6g Fat
26g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 234
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g 7%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 39mg 13%
Sodium 1135mg 49%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 7g 26%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 22g 44%
Vitamin C 66mg 74%
Calcium 137mg 11%
Iron 5mg 26%
Potassium 907mg 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.