Mexican beef cheek recipes are rich, flavorful, and perfect for hearty meals.
Beef cheeks are tender cuts that absorb spices and sauces beautifully, creating melt-in-your-mouth dishes.
These 15 Mexican beef cheek recipes will inspire you to make authentic, delicious meals at home.
From slow-cooked braises and stews to spicy tacos and savory casseroles, there’s a recipe for every craving.
Using fresh ingredients, bold spices, and traditional Mexican flavors ensures each dish is satisfying and full of depth.
Mexican beef cheek dishes are ideal for weekend dinners, festive gatherings, or special occasions.
Discover how easy it is to enjoy rich, flavorful beef cheek recipes at home.
15 Delicious Mexican Beef Cheek Recipes for Every Occasion

Mexican beef cheek recipes are tender, flavorful, and perfect for special meals.
These 15 recipes show that beef cheeks can be transformed into rich, delicious dishes with authentic Mexican flavors.
From slow-cooked stews and braises to tacos and casseroles, there’s a recipe for every palate.
Using fresh ingredients, bold spices, and traditional cooking techniques ensures each dish is satisfying and memorable.
These recipes make weekend dinners, family meals, and festive occasions stress-free and enjoyable.
Enjoy indulgent, flavorful Mexican beef cheek recipes that everyone will love.
Elevate your dinner menu with these easy and authentic Mexican beef cheek dishes.
Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Cheeks in Red Chili Sauce
This Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Cheeks in Red Chili Sauce is tender, rich, and packed with deep flavors.
Beef cheeks are slow-cooked in a smoky, spicy red chili sauce until they melt in your mouth.
Perfect for a hearty Mexican-inspired dinner.
Ready in 6–8 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 3 dried guajillo chilies, soaked
- 2 dried ancho chilies, soaked
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet; sear beef cheeks on all sides until browned.
- Blend soaked chilies, onion, garlic, and cumin with beef broth until smooth.
- Place beef cheeks in a slow cooker; pour chili sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours until cheeks are tender.
- Serve with low-carb tortillas or cauliflower rice.
These beef cheeks are tender, rich, and deeply flavorful.
Slow cooking enhances natural flavors while chilies add depth and spice.
It’s a decadent, hearty, and authentic Mexican dish.
Braised Mexican Beef Cheeks with Tomatillo Salsa
This Braised Mexican Beef Cheeks with Tomatillo Salsa is bright, tangy, and tender.
Beef cheeks are slow-braised in a tomatillo and green chili sauce for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Perfect for a weekend family dinner.
Ready in 5–6 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 2 jalapeños, seeded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks until browned.
- Blend tomatillos, jalapeños, onion, garlic, and beef broth until smooth.
- Pour sauce over beef cheeks in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5–6 hours until tender.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
These beef cheeks are bright, tangy, and tender.
Tomatillos provide freshness while slow cooking makes the beef melt in your mouth.
It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying Mexican meal.
Chipotle Mexican Beef Cheeks
This Chipotle Mexican Beef Cheeks recipe is smoky, spicy, and deeply savory.
Beef cheeks are braised in a chipotle and tomato sauce until tender and flavorful.
Perfect for a comforting Mexican dinner.
Ready in 5 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks on all sides.
- Blend chipotle peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, paprika, and beef broth until smooth.
- Pour sauce over beef cheeks in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5 hours until tender.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or low-carb tortillas.
These beef cheeks are smoky, spicy, and savory.
Chipotle adds a warm, smoky heat while beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
It’s a bold, hearty, and satisfying Mexican dish.
Mexican Beef Cheeks with Mole Sauce
This Mexican Beef Cheeks with Mole Sauce is rich, complex, and slightly sweet.
Beef cheeks are braised in a homemade mole sauce made with chilies, chocolate, and spices.
Perfect for a festive weekend dinner.
Ready in 6–7 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 2 dried ancho chilies, soaked
- 1 dried pasilla chili, soaked
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks until browned.
- Blend soaked chilies, cocoa, onion, garlic, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour sauce over beef cheeks in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours until tender.
- Serve with garnishes like sesame seeds and cilantro.
These beef cheeks are rich, complex, and slightly sweet.
Mole adds depth while slow cooking ensures tender, flavorful meat.
It’s an indulgent, festive, and traditional Mexican dish.
Mexican Beef Cheeks with Beer and Spices
This Mexican Beef Cheeks with Beer and Spices is hearty, aromatic, and deeply savory.
Beef cheeks are braised in beer, garlic, onions, and spices for a tender, flavorful dish.
Perfect for a weekend dinner or special occasion.
Ready in 5 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 1 bottle Mexican lager beer
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks until browned.
- Place beef cheeks in a slow cooker; add onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, and beer.
- Cook on low for 5 hours until meat is tender.
- Serve with low-carb tortillas or roasted vegetables.
These beef cheeks are hearty, aromatic, and deeply savory.
Beer adds richness while spices enhance flavor and tenderness.
It’s a comforting, robust, and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish.
Oven-Braised Mexican Beef Cheeks with Red Wine
This Oven-Braised Mexican Beef Cheeks with Red Wine is rich, tender, and full of depth.
Beef cheeks are seared, then slow-baked in a red wine and chili sauce until they melt in your mouth.
Perfect for a special family dinner.
Ready in 4–5 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, soaked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks on all sides until browned.
- Blend soaked chilies, onion, garlic, red wine, and beef broth until smooth.
- Pour sauce over beef cheeks in a Dutch oven; cover.
- Bake for 4–5 hours until meat is tender.
These beef cheeks are rich, tender, and flavorful.
Red wine adds depth while slow baking ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture.
It’s an elegant, comforting, and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish.
Instant Pot Mexican Beef Cheeks with Chipotle
This Instant Pot Mexican Beef Cheeks with Chipotle is smoky, spicy, and tender.
Beef cheeks are pressure-cooked with chipotle peppers, tomatoes, and spices for a fast, flavorful meal.
Perfect for a quick Mexican-inspired dinner.
Ready in 1.5 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot; sear beef cheeks on all sides.
- Blend chipotle peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, and beef broth.
- Pour sauce over beef cheeks; seal Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes; allow natural release.
These beef cheeks are smoky, spicy, and tender.
Instant Pot cooking intensifies flavors while making meat melt in your mouth.
It’s a quick, bold, and satisfying Mexican meal.
Slow-Baked Mexican Beef Cheeks with Mole
This Slow-Baked Mexican Beef Cheeks with Mole is rich, complex, and slightly sweet.
Beef cheeks are baked in a homemade mole sauce for deep, layered flavors.
Perfect for a festive weekend dinner.
Ready in 5–6 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 2 dried ancho chilies, soaked
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Sear beef cheeks in olive oil until browned.
- Blend chilies, cocoa, onion, garlic, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour sauce over beef cheeks in a baking dish; cover.
- Bake 5–6 hours until tender.
These beef cheeks are rich, complex, and slightly sweet.
Mole sauce adds depth while slow baking enhances tenderness.
It’s a decadent and traditional Mexican dish.
Mexican Beer-Braised Beef Cheeks
This Mexican Beer-Braised Beef Cheeks recipe is hearty, savory, and aromatic.
Beef cheeks are braised in Mexican lager beer with spices for a robust flavor.
Perfect for a weekend or festive dinner.
Ready in 4–5 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 1 bottle Mexican lager beer
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks until browned.
- Place beef cheeks in a Dutch oven; add beer, onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika.
- Cover and braise in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 4–5 hours.
These beef cheeks are hearty, savory, and aromatic.
Beer adds richness while spices enhance flavor and tenderness.
It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish.
Mexican Beef Cheeks with Adobo and Vegetables
This Mexican Beef Cheeks with Adobo and Vegetables is flavorful, tender, and colorful.
Beef cheeks are braised with adobo sauce, onions, peppers, and tomatoes for a vibrant, hearty meal.
Perfect for a family dinner.
Ready in 5 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 1/2 cup adobo sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks until browned.
- Add onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic, and adobo sauce to the pot.
- Cover and braise in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 hours until tender.
These beef cheeks are flavorful, tender, and colorful.
Adobo sauce adds smokiness while vegetables provide freshness and nutrients.
It’s a hearty, satisfying, and authentic Mexican meal
Slow-Cooker Mexican Beef Cheeks with Tomato and Chili
This Slow-Cooker Mexican Beef Cheeks with Tomato and Chili is tender, spicy, and flavorful.
Beef cheeks are cooked low and slow with tomatoes, onions, and chili for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Perfect for a weekend or family dinner.
Ready in 8 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, soaked
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet; sear beef cheeks until browned.
- Blend soaked chilies, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika into a smooth sauce.
- Place beef cheeks in slow cooker; pour sauce over them.
- Cook on low for 8 hours until tender.
These beef cheeks are tender, spicy, and flavorful.
Slow cooking allows deep flavors to develop while meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft.
It’s a comforting, hearty, and authentic Mexican dish.
Slow-Cooker Mexican Beef Cheeks with Mole and Almonds
This Slow-Cooker Mexican Beef Cheeks with Mole and Almonds is rich, nutty, and aromatic.
Beef cheeks are slow-cooked with mole sauce and almonds, creating a deeply complex flavor profile.
Perfect for a festive weekend meal.
Ready in 7 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 2 dried ancho chilies, soaked
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks until browned.
- Blend soaked chilies, almonds, cocoa, onion, garlic, and chicken broth.
- Pour sauce over beef cheeks in slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 7 hours until meat is tender.
These beef cheeks are rich, nutty, and aromatic.
Mole and almonds add depth while slow cooking enhances tenderness.
It’s a decadent, flavorful, and traditional Mexican dish.
Slow-Cooker Mexican Beef Cheeks with Beer and Chipotle
This Slow-Cooker Mexican Beef Cheeks with Beer and Chipotle is smoky, savory, and hearty.
Beef cheeks are braised in beer with chipotle peppers for a bold, robust flavor.
Perfect for a weekend dinner or special occasion.
Ready in 6–7 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 1 bottle Mexican lager beer
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks until browned.
- Place beef cheeks in slow cooker; add beer, chipotle, onion, garlic, and cumin.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours until tender.
These beef cheeks are smoky, savory, and hearty.
Beer and chipotle add rich flavor while slow cooking ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture.
It’s a bold, comforting, and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
Slow-Cooker Mexican Beef Cheeks with Green Salsa
This Slow-Cooker Mexican Beef Cheeks with Green Salsa is tangy, zesty, and tender.
Beef cheeks are slow-cooked in a salsa verde sauce for fresh, bright flavors.
Perfect for a family dinner.
Ready in 6 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks until browned.
- Place beef cheeks in slow cooker; add salsa verde, onion, garlic, and cumin.
- Cook on low for 6 hours until tender.
These beef cheeks are tangy, zesty, and tender.
Salsa verde adds brightness while beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft.
It’s a flavorful, healthy, and hearty Mexican dish.
Slow-Cooker Mexican Beef Cheeks with Black Beans and Corn
This Slow-Cooker Mexican Beef Cheeks with Black Beans and Corn is hearty, colorful, and satisfying.
Beef cheeks are cooked with black beans, corn, and spices for a comforting, protein-packed meal.
Perfect for a weekend family dinner.
Ready in 6–7 hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 1 cup black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil; sear beef cheeks until browned.
- Place beef cheeks in slow cooker; add black beans, corn, onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours until tender.
These beef cheeks are hearty, colorful, and satisfying.
Black beans and corn add texture and fiber while beef becomes tender and flavorful.
It’s a robust, comforting, and wholesome Mexican-inspired meal.