Brazilian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef with Spices and Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef slow-cooked with aromatic Brazilian spices and colorful peppers, perfect for a comforting family meal. This brazilian-inspired beef (gluten free) ready in about 200 minutes pairs olive oil, large onion, chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the 2 lbs beef chuck roast chunks and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned all over. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot along with 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 large sliced green bell pepper, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brazilian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef with Spices and Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brazilian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef with Spices and Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef with Spices and Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brazilian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef with Spices and Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Brazilian-Style Slow-Cooked Beef with Spices and Peppers gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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