Christmas-Style Steak Pozole (Posole Navideño con Carne de Res)

Here’s a rich and festive take on a traditional Mexican favorite: Christmas-Style Steak Pozole (Posole Navideño con Carne de Res). This red pozole is hearty, deeply flavorful, and perfect for serving during the holiday season — or any time you want to warm up with something special.

🎄🥩🌽 Christmas-Style Steak Pozole (Posole Navideño con Carne de Res)

A rich, red chili broth with tender beef and hominy, topped with festive garnishes.

✅ Ingredients:

For the Pozole:

2 lbs beef chuck steak or stew meat, cut into chunks
1 tbsp oil
2–3 cloves garlic
½ white onion, roughly chopped
10 cups water or beef broth
1½ tsp salt, or to taste
1 bay leaf

For the Red Chili Sauce:

4–5 guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
2–3 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
2 cloves garlic
¼ onion
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp cumin
½–1 cup water (to blend)

Other:

2 cans (25 oz) or 1½ lbs prepared hominy, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper to taste

🥣 Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef chunks in batches. Add garlic and onion and cook 2–3 minutes.
Add water or broth, salt, and bay leaf. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until meat is tender.

2. Make the Chili Sauce:

While the beef cooks, soak guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for 15–20 minutes until soft.
Blend soaked chiles with garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, and water until smooth. Strain through a sieve for a smooth sauce.

3. Combine Everything:

Add the chili sauce and hominy to the pot with the beef.
Simmer uncovered for another 30–45 minutes, letting the flavors deepen.
Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, more oregano, etc.).

🥗 Traditional Toppings (Add festive flair!):

Shredded cabbage or lettuce
Radishes, thinly sliced
Diced onion
Oregano
Crushed red pepper
Fresh lime wedges
Avocado slices
Tostadas or tortilla chips

🔄 Variations:

Add a bit of pork shoulder with the beef for more richness.
For a thicker broth, mash some of the hominy before simmering.
Want extra holiday flair? Add pomegranate seeds as a garnish for color and tang!