Costillas Con Nopalitos (Beef Ribs With Cactus)

Costillas con nopalitos translates to ribs with cactus. On this occasion, I am using beef flanken short ribs. They are thin sliced beef shorts ribs that make this recipe delicious!

The Next Best Thing!

In a pinch when I cannot find certain fresh ingredients, like nopales(cactus), I am thankful that it’s available in a jar. My first choice would always be fresh, but for this stewed recipe, these nopales in a jar are perfect. Some of my other pantry staples include canned beans(legumes), canned tomato sauce(spicy and mild), whole tomatoes, pickled chiles and some assorted dairy products.

Not Eating Meat These Days?

This recipe can easily be adapted to a vegetarian version. Substitute the beef with sliced portabella mushrooms, roasted poblano peppers and sliced zucchini. It’s delicious in that salsa combined with the nopalitos(Cactus).

Must Have Rice and Beans!

I do love my classic red rice and beans with traditional dishes like costillas con nopalitos. Don’t forget the flour tortillas!

Costillas Con Nopalitos(Beef Ribs with Cactus)

Beef flanken short ribs with cactus in a dried chile/tomatillo salsa! Delicious and traditional mexican flavors!

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Beef, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoon avocado or grapeseed oil
• 4-5 chile negro or 3 chile ancho stems and seeds removed
• 5 tomatillo peeled, washed and sliced into quarters
• 4 cloves of garlic peeled and minced
• 1 medium white onion sliced
• 2 cups water plus more for cooking ingredients
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 pounds beef flanken short ribs sliced into pieces
• 2 1/2-3 cups previously cooked nopalitos cactus, sliced into strips

Instructions

• In a medium pot, add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat to medium. Add 1/4 of the sliced onion and half of the minced garlic. Saute for 3 minutes. Add the tomatillos and chile negro. Saute for another 3-4 minutes. Pour in enough water to cover ingredients. Bring up to a simmer and cook for 7-8 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
• While the salsa ingredients cool, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large saute pan to medium heat.
• Season the beef ribs lightly with salt and pepper all over. When oil is hot, transfer beef to pan. Sear and brown the ribs, turning as needed.
• While beef browns, drain all of the water from the cooked tomatillos and chiles. Transfer to the blender jar. Add 1 3/4 cups water, 2 teaspoons of bouillon, pinch of Mexican oregano, salt and pepper to taste. Blend on high until very smooth. Taste for salt. Set aside.
• Once beef is browned, add the reserved sliced onion and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for one more minute.
• Add the previously cooked cactus and the salsa from the blender. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to a light simmer. Cover partially and continue cooking for 35-40 minutes or until beef is very tender. Serve with rice, beans and flour tortillas.

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