Nicaraguan Coffee-Infused Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

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

Hearty beef stew slow-cooked with rich Nicaraguan coffee, aromatic spices, and tender root vegetables for a deep, complex flavor. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, olive oil, onion, chopped 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: 150 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds cubed beef chuck in batches, browning on all sides for 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until deep red and slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Return browned beef to the pot and add 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup cold brewed Nicaraguan Arabica coffee, 3 chopped carrots, 2 cubed potatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 bay leaf, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Nicaraguan Coffee-Infused Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Nicaraguan Coffee-Infused Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Nicaraguan Coffee-Infused Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Nicaraguan Coffee-Infused Beef Stew with Root Vegetables 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.

What goes well with Nicaraguan Coffee-Infused Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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.