Mole de Olla Traditional Mexican Beef & Vegetable Soup

Mole de Olla is a traditional Mexican soup known for its rich broth, tender beef, vegetables, and mild chili flavor. Unlike the thick chocolate-style mole sauces, this dish is a hearty soup with fresh vegetables and dried chiles that give it a deep, comforting taste.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 6)

Broth

• 2 lbs beef shank or stew meat

• 8 cups water or beef broth

• 3 cloves garlic

• ½ onion

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 bay leaves

Chile Sauce

• 3 dried guajillo chiles

• 2 dried pasilla chiles

• 1 garlic clove

• ½ cup water

Vegetables

• 2 corn cobs, cut into pieces

• 2 zucchini, sliced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 potatoes, cubed

• 1 cup green beans

• 1 small chayote (optional)

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Beef

In a large pot combine:

• beef

• water or broth

• onion

• garlic

• bay leaves

• salt

Simmer for 1½ hours until the beef becomes tender. Skim foam if needed.

2️⃣ Make the Chile Sauce

1. Remove seeds from dried chiles.

2. Soak them in hot water 10 minutes.

3. Blend with garlic and water until smooth.

4. Strain the sauce.

3️⃣ Add the Sauce

Pour the chile sauce into the beef broth and simmer 10 minutes to develop flavor.

4️⃣ Add Vegetables

Add vegetables in stages:

1. Corn and carrots – cook 10 minutes

2. Potatoes and green beans – cook 10 minutes

3. Zucchini and chayote – cook 5–7 minutes

Cook until vegetables are tender.

5️⃣ Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with:

• chopped cilantro

• fresh lime juice

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Warm corn tortillas

• Mexican rice

• Salsa and avocado

🔢 Approximate Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~320

• Protein: ~28 g

• Carbs: ~22 g

• Fat: ~13 g

⭐ Fun Fact

The name “Mole de Olla” literally means “mole from the pot.” It’s a rustic, home-style dish commonly enjoyed in central Mexico.