Puerto Rican Beef Stew (Carne Guisada)
A comforting and flavorful stew featuring tender beef and vibrant vegetables, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes Perfect for slow cooking, ensuring the meat remains succulent.
- 1 tbsp Adobo all-purpose seasoning Essential seasoning offering a savory flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Used for sautéing, adds richness.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped Creates a flavorful base when cooked.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Provides strong aroma and flavor.
- ½ cup sofrito A mixture of herbs and spices for vibrant flavor.
- 8 oz tomato sauce Adds tangy sweetness.
- 1 packet Sazón con Culantro y Achiote Infuses the stew with color and flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano Adds earthy flavor.
- 3 cups beef broth Binds all flavors together.
- 1 leaf bay leaf Enhances overall taste.
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks Absorb flavors and provide creamy texture.
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced Add sweetness and color.
- ½ cup pimento-stuffed green olives Adds briny contrast.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped Brightens the dish.
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with Adobo.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef in batches, ensuring a nice sear on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat and add chopped onion. Cook until soft and translucent for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Add sofrito, tomato sauce, Sazón, and oregano to the onion mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the browned beef to the pot with a bay leaf and pour in enough beef broth to cover the meat.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours.
- Add potatoes and carrots to the pot, stir, cover, and simmer for another 45-60 minutes until tender.
- Stir in green olives and chopped cilantro, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper before serving.
Notes
Best enjoyed with white rice or tostones. For special occasions, serve with a green salad and avocado slices.