Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Brazilian Spices

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-07 · Updated 2026-06-07

Tender bite-sized beef simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and traditional Brazilian seasonings for a hearty, flavorful stew. This Brazilian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, until deeply caramelized. Remove beef and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 3 diced medium ripe tomatoes, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
4. Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove bay leaf and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.