Drowned beef sandwich with chipotle sauce torta ahogada –Are you ready to delve into the delicious world of Mexican cuisine? Today, we are exploring a classic dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds: the Torta Ahogada, or Drowned Beef Sandwich. This traditional delicacy hails from Guadalajara and combines succulent beef with a rich, spicy sauce, all nestled within a soft bread roll. Perfect for a leisurely lunch or an impressive dinner gathering, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for something authentic and flavorful.
Torta Ahogada (Drowned Beef Sandwich)
To begin your culinary journey, gather the following ingredients. Each component contributes to the layered flavors that make the Torta Ahogada a beloved dish.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of flank steak
- 4 bolillos (Mexican bread rolls)
- 4 tomatoes
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 dried chiles (such as guajillo or ancho)
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In a pot, start by boiling the flank steak in salted water until it becomes tender. This should take about an hour on medium heat. Once ready, remove the meat and let it cool. Shred the beef into thin pieces.
- Next, prepare the sauce. In a pan, roast the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and dried chiles until they are charred. Once roasted, blend them with the beef broth and vinegar until smooth.
- In a pot, heat the blended sauce. Season with salt to taste and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Meanwhile, slice the bolillos open but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the beef.
- Stuff each bolillo with the shredded beef, then generously pour the hot sauce over the top, ensuring the bread is ‘drowned’ in flavor.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added tang.
Your Torta Ahogada is now ready to be enjoyed! This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of taste. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and a kick of spice—truly a culinary experience that reflects the heart of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy this savory delight accompanied by your favorite sides or simply on its own.