Frayed Beef and Potato Stew with Onions

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

A traditional Bolivian stew featuring tender shredded beef cooked with onions and potatoes in a savory broth. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs beef brisket, medium yellow onion, sliced, medium potatoes, peeled and quartered for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 400 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs beef brisket in a large pot and cover with 4 cups beef broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer, covered, for 1.5 hours until the beef is very tender.
  2. Step 2: Remove the beef from the broth and shred it finely using two forks. Reserve the broth.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium sliced yellow onions and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 7-8 minutes until onions are golden and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the shredded beef to the skillet along with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 peeled and quartered medium potatoes and 2 cups of the reserved beef broth to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and the stew thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Frayed Beef and Potato Stew with Onions take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Frayed Beef and Potato Stew with Onions?

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 beef brisket from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Frayed Beef and Potato Stew with Onions?

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 Frayed Beef and Potato Stew with Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Frayed Beef and Potato Stew with Onions?

Latin American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes