Name: Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cubed; 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning; 1 packet sazón with annatto; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup sofrito; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 2 bay leaves; 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cups beef broth or water; Salt and pepper, to taste

Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew brings bold island flavor straight to your table. Made with tender chunks of chuck roast, simmered in sofrito, sazón, tomato sauce, and finished with potatoes and carrots—this stew is everything a cozy meal should be. Perfect for anyone seeking easy dinner ideas, hearty food ideas, or a rich and flavorful option for cold nights, this recipe fits perfectly into your list of healthy comfort meals, quick weeknight dinners, or even make-ahead meal prep.

Imagine coming home after a long day, with the enticing aroma of this delicious Puerto Rican beef stew wafting through your kitchen. The magical combination of beef, vegetables, and spices simmering together creates a comforting hug in a bowl. Each bite is bursting with the rich flavors of the Caribbean, making it not just a meal, but an experience to savor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this stew is bound to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew

Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the beef and loaded with vitamins from the potatoes and carrots, this stew is a complete meal.
Flavor Explosion: With the vibrant flavors of sofrito and sazón, each spoonful offers a delightful taste of Puerto Rican cuisine.
Easy to Make: The recipe requires minimal prep time and utilizes straightforward cooking techniques, perfect for any home cook.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. Start by gathering a large pot or Dutch oven, which will be key for searing the meat and simmering the stew. Ensure you have a sharp knife and cutting board for cubing the beef, potatoes, and slicing the carrots.

Prep your ingredients: cube the chuck roast into bite-sized pieces, peel and cube the potatoes, and slice the carrots. Taking these steps will streamline the cooking process and ensure you have everything at hand when it’s time to cook. To enhance the flavor of the stew, an essential tool for this recipe is your trusty chef’s knife for chopping and a good wooden spoon for stirring. With your workspace organized and your ingredients ready, you’re set to create a fulfilling dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cubed
2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
1 packet sazón with annatto
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sofrito
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 bay leaves
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups beef broth or water
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Beef

Begin by seasoning the cubed beef chunks generously with adobo seasoning and a sprinkle of pepper. This initial step is crucial for infusing flavor into the meat right from the start. Adobo seasoning, a staple in many Latin households, provides a savory basis for your stew and sets the stage for the deep flavors to come.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Searing the beef allows it to brown nicely, creating a crust that enhances the flavor profile of your stew. After a few minutes, when the beef is beautifully browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. If necessary, add a bit more olive oil for the next batch.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Once all the beef is seared and removed from the pot, it’s time to build layers of flavor. Lower the heat slightly and add the sofrito and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture is aromatic and the garlic is softened. This step unlocks the robust flavor of the sofrito, which forms the base of our stew.

Step 4: Incorporate the Tomato Sauce

Add the tomato sauce to the pot and stir well, cooking it for about a minute. This helps to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step enhances the overall depth of flavor and gives the stew its rich color.

Step 5: Return the Beef & Add the Broth

Now, it’s time to return the seared beef to the pot. Sprinkle in the sazón and add the bay leaves. Carefully pour in enough beef broth to cover the meat completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and allow it to cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is tender, it’s time to add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. Stir them into the stew and continue to cook uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. The veggies should be fork-tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the stew.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

As the cooking time comes to an end, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving, as they can be tough to bite into.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot alongside a scoop of rice, some crusty bread, or crispy tostones for a delightful meal. Gather your loved ones and let the comforting flavors of Puerto Rico warm your heart.

Variations

Protein: For a different twist, you can substitute beef with chicken or even pork, adjusting the cooking times accordingly.
Vegetables: Add other vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to vary the texture and color.
Spices: Experiment with additional spices like cumin or thyme for added warmth and dimension.

Cooking Notes

Always ensure to sear the beef for the best depth of flavor—this step is non-negotiable for optimal taste.
If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot before serving to create a creamy texture.
Make sure to let your stew sit for a few minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
For a fun twist, pair it with crispy tostones or fried plantains for a delightful texture contrast.

Tips

Prep your ingredients ahead of time to facilitate a smooth cooking process.
Use a high-quality beef broth to enhance the flavor of your stew.
If you’re short on time, consider using a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 400 calories per serving
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! To cook this in a slow cooker, sear the beef first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, just remember to thaw them before adding to the stew during the last cooking phase.

What can I serve this stew with?

This stew pairs wonderfully with rice, crusty bread, or fried plantains (tostones).

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew is not only hearty and delicious but also a fantastic way to bring warmth and flavor to your dinner table. With easy steps and accessible ingredients, you can create a meal that embodies the love and tradition of Puerto Rican cuisine. Whether you’re indulging in a cozy night in or impressing guests at your next gathering, this stew is sure to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. We’d love to hear about your experiences and any personal twists you add to this recipe, so be sure to comment and share your thoughts below!