Mole de Olla – Authentic Mexican Beef & Vegetable Soup with Chile Broth

Mole de Olla is a traditional Mexican soup made with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful chile-based broth. Unlike sweet mole sauces, this rustic “mole” is savory, smoky, and perfect for cozy dinners, cold weather, or when you crave bold Mexican comfort food.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Mole de Olla

• Rich, slow-simmered beef flavor

• Loaded with vegetables

• Naturally gluten-free

• One-pot comfort food

• Perfect for meal prep & leftovers

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• 🛒 Ingredients

  For the Broth

  • 2 lbs beef shank or chuck, cut into chunks

  • 10 cups water or beef broth

  • 3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed & seeded

  • 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed & seeded

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • ½ small onion

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • Salt to taste

  Vegetables

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 potatoes, cubed

  • 1 ear corn, cut into chunks

  • 1 zucchini, sliced

  • ½ cup chopped green beans

  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro

  For Serving

  • Lime wedges

  • Warm corn tortillas

  • Diced onion (optional)

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  👩‍🍳 How to Make Mole de Olla

  1. Simmer the Beef
     In a large pot, bring beef and water/broth to a boil. Skim foam, then reduce heat and simmer 60–75 minutes until tender.

  2. Prepare the Chile Sauce
     Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. Blend with garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, and soaking liquid until smooth.

  3. Strain & Add to Pot
     Strain sauce into the beef pot. Simmer 10 minutes.

  4. Add Vegetables
     Add carrots, potatoes, corn, zucchini, and green beans. Cook 15–20 minutes until veggies are tender.

  5. Finish & Serve
     Stir in cilantro and salt to taste. Serve hot with lime and tortillas.

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  🔥 Tips & Variations

  • Use beef short ribs for richer flavor

  • Add chayote or cabbage for authenticity

  • For extra heat, add a dried árbol chile

  • Slow cooker: 6–7 hours on low

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  🍽️ What to Serve with Mole de Olla

  • Fresh corn tortillas

  • Mexican rice

  • Refried beans

  • Agua fresca or horchata