One-Pot Mato Grosso Beef Stew with Cassava

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

A hearty Brazilian beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef simmered with cassava and regional spices from Mato Grosso for a comforting, earthy dish. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs medium onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced, diced tomatoes, canned for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and brown on all sides for about 6-7 minutes until a deep crust forms.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup canned diced tomatoes and 3 cups beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate all browned bits.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups peeled and cut cassava pieces, bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is tender and cassava is soft.
  6. Step 6: Season the stew with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving for a bright herbal finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Mato Grosso Beef Stew with Cassava take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 One-Pot Mato Grosso Beef Stew with Cassava?

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 medium onion, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Mato Grosso Beef Stew with Cassava?

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 One-Pot Mato Grosso Beef Stew with Cassava 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 One-Pot Mato Grosso Beef Stew with Cassava?

Brazilian 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.

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