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How to Make Estofado de Carne

Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Estofado de Carne is a classic beef stew that everyone will love. Slow-cooked with tender meat, potatoes, and rich spices, it’s the perfect dish for cozy nights!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Ecuadorian, Latin American
Keyword: carne guisada, estofado de carne
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef chuck cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 white or yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tomato diced and peeled (if preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3-4 cups beef broth plus water if needed for moisture
  • 1 large carrot diced
  • 1 large potato peeled and diced
  • cilantro a few whole sprigs for simmering, and freshly chopped for garnish.

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet with a lid or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add the oil and beef chuck pieces to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the beef to sear on all sides.
    1 lb beef chuck, 1 tablespoon oil , salt & pepper
  • Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and tomato. Sauté until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
    1 white or yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tomato
  • Season the vegetable and beef mixture with the cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt. Stir to combine. Then, add the tomato paste and beef broth.
    1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 3-4 cups beef broth
  • Bring to a simmer, add the cilantro sprigs, and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3 to 3 ½ hours, until the beef is fork tender. Check on it as it is cooking, and add extra water or beef broth if the mixture is getting dry. You want it to be saucy in the end!
    cilantro
  • Add the diced potato and carrots. Simmer until tender, for another 15-20 minutes.
    1 large carrot, 1 large potato
  • Serve the estofado de carne with rice and avocado and enjoy!

Notes

Store any leftover estofado de carne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days! You can easily freeze it, too. Allow it to cool and place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and enjoy!