Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Brazilian Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender bite-sized beef simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and traditional Brazilian seasonings for a hearty, flavorful stew. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Brazilian Spices take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Brazilian Spices?

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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Brazilian Spices?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Brazilian Spices 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Brazilian Spices?

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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