
Introduction: What is Discada and Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever craved a meal that is bold, rustic, and packed with flavor? Enter discada, a Mexican dish that brings together tender beef, juicy chicken, and a variety of veggies, all cooked on a traditional discada (a large, round, flat cooking pan often used over an open fire). This dish, often called “Mexican Cowboy Stew,” is one of the most beloved comfort foods in northern Mexico and has earned a reputation for being the perfect meal for gatherings.
The discada recipe is a celebration of flavor and community, making it the perfect dish for family dinners, cookouts, or any occasion that calls for a delicious, hearty meal. In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know to make the best discada recipe from scratch, using traditional ingredients and methods, while offering some creative variations for a fun twist!
If you’re hungry for more creative and delicious recipe ideas, be sure to check out our collection of easy-to-make recipes, where you’ll find a variety of dishes to suit every craving and occasion!
What Makes the Best Discada Recipe?
The secret to an unforgettable discada is the combination of meats, vegetables, and seasonings cooked in a large pan. The mix of beef, chicken, and sometimes even pork, combines with a medley of peppers, onions, and tomatoes for a truly mouthwatering result. The preparation process is simple, yet it yields such a delicious and hearty dish.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Traditional Discada Recipe
- Discada Tacos
- Discada Recipe with Beef & Chicken
- Easy Discada Recipe
- And tips on how to adapt your discada recipe ingredients to your personal taste.
Let’s dive in and explore how to make this amazing Mexican dish!
The Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Discada Recipe 🥩
To prepare an authentic discada recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. The great thing about discada is its versatility; you can adjust the meats and vegetables based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
Discada Recipe Ingredients 🍽️:
- 1 lb Beef Skirt Steak or Flank Steak 🥩 (cut into thin strips)
- 1 lb Chicken Thighs 🍗 (boneless, skinless, cut into pieces)
- 1 medium Onion 🧅 (diced)
- 2 Tomatoes 🍅 (diced) (tomatoes benefits)
- 2 Bell Peppers 🌶️ (diced, red or green)
- 2 Jalapeños 🌶️ (finely chopped, optional for heat)
- 4 cloves Garlic 🧄 (minced)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro 🌿 (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil 🍳 (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin 🧂 (for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Oregano 🌿 (dried)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder 🌶️ (adjust to taste)
- Salt and Pepper 🧂 (to taste)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice 🍋 (for a zesty kick)
- Tortillas 🌮 (for serving, can use flour or corn)
How to Make the Best Discada Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide 🍳
Ready to bring the flavors of Mexico to your kitchen? Whether you’re cooking on an open flame or using your stovetop, here’s how to prepare a delicious discada recipe:
Step 1: Prep the Meat and Vegetables 🥩
Start by slicing the beef into thin strips and chopping the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Prepare the vegetables: dice the onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and jalapeños, and mince the garlic. Set everything aside in separate bowls so you can easily access them when needed.
Step 2: Heat the Oil 🍳
In a large skillet or discada (a traditional Mexican cooking pan), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. If you don’t have a discada, any large, heavy pan will do—just make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Meats 🥩🍗
Add the beef and chicken to the hot pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through. Be sure to season with salt, pepper, and half of the chili powder, cumin, and oregano as the meat cooks. The goal here is to get a nice sear on the meat and develop a rich flavor base.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables 🍅🧅
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, and garlic to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and meld with the meat. Add the diced tomatoes, remaining chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes to develop rich, layered flavors.
Step 5: Add the Lime and Cilantro 🍋🌿
Once the meat and vegetables are cooked, squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and stir in the chopped cilantro. The lime will add a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the meat, while the cilantro brings a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
Step 6: Serve 🌮
Now that your discada recipe is ready, it’s time to serve it up! You can serve it with warm tortillas for making discada tacos, or over a bed of rice or beans for a heartier meal. Top with some extra fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, and you’re good to go!
Variations of Discada Recipe: Adapt to Your Taste
The beauty of discada is how flexible it is. You can swap out ingredients, try different meats, and adjust the spice level to suit your personal preferences.
Discada Recipe with Beef and Chicken 🍗🥩
This is the classic combination, as it offers a variety of textures and flavors. The beef provides a rich, hearty base, while the chicken adds a juicy tenderness. You can also add some pork or chorizo if you want to make it even more meaty!
Easy Discada Recipe 🍳
If you’re looking for a quick version, simply use ground beef or ground chicken instead of whole cuts. This will cut down on the cooking time, and you can still enjoy the same vibrant flavors.
Traditional Discada Recipe 🍽️
For a more traditional approach, cook everything on an open flame or grill if possible. This adds an authentic smoky flavor to the dish and brings the true essence of discada to life.
Discada Tacos 🌮
For a taco night twist, use your discada filling as a flavorful base for discada tacos. Simply spoon the meat and veggies into soft tortillas and top with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or even a few crumbles of cheese.
Discada Recipe Chihuahua 🧀
Discada is particularly popular in the northern states of Mexico, including Chihuahua. In this region, it’s common to add a generous amount of melted cheese to the mix for a cheesy, savory delight. If you love cheese, top your discada recipe Chihuahua with a handful of shredded cheese like Oaxaca or Monterrey Jack before serving.
Tips for the Best Discada Recipe
- Use the Right Pan: The larger, the better. A discada pan is wide and flat, making it ideal for cooking large quantities of meat and vegetables at once. If you don’t have one, any large skillet will work.
- Add More Spice: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to suit your spice tolerance. If you love heat, feel free to toss in an extra serrano pepper or some hot sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture a day in advance, storing it in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve!
- Serve with Sides: While discada tacos are fantastic, this dish also pairs well with rice, beans, or a side of grilled corn for a complete meal.
Conclusion: Why Discada Is the Ultimate Comfort Food

This discada recipe is a true Mexican classic that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re making it on a lazy Sunday afternoon or cooking it up for a weekend barbecue, the combination of meats, vegetables, and bold spices will never disappoint. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it based on what you have on hand, making it the perfect recipe for any occasion.
So, next time you’re looking for a flavorful, filling meal that brings people together, give discada a try. Whether in discada tacos, served with rice, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Looking for more recipes?, be sure to check out our Recipe Collection for even more meal ideas that are sure to satisfy your cravings!

Ultimate Discada Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or discada pan, knife, cutting board, bowls for prepping ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef Skirt Steak or Flank Steak 🥩
- 1 lb Chicken Thighs 🍗
- 1 medium Onion 🧅
- 2 Tomatoes 🍅
- 2 Bell Peppers 🌶️
- 2 Jalapeños 🌶️ optional
- 4 cloves Garlic 🧄
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro 🌿
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil 🍳
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin 🧂
- 1/2 tsp Oregano 🌿
- 1 tsp Chili Powder 🌶️
- Salt and Pepper 🧂
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice 🍋
- Tortillas 🌮
Instructions
- Slice beef and chicken into small pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan, cook the beef and chicken until browned.
- Add the vegetables, garlic, and spices; cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Serve with tortillas or rice.