Heat up some cooking oil in a pan and sauté the garlic and onion until they're aromatic.

Add the beef and sauté for about 3 minutes or until it takes on a light brown color.

Introduce the tomato sauce and water, then let it simmer until the beef becomes tender. Depending on your beef's quality, this can take anywhere from 60 to 120 minutes, so be patient and add water as needed.

Sprinkle in the soy sauce, ground black pepper, lemon rind, bay leaves, and salt. Simmer until any excess liquid evaporates.

Toss in the sliced potatoes and cook until they reach a delightful softness.

Plate up your Beef Mechado and serve it hot with rice.