Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Root Vegetables

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

A comforting Brazilian-style slow-cooked beef stew with tender chunks of beef and hearty root vegetables simmered in a savory tomato sauce. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 440 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef chuck roast, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 420 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Transfer onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add 3 peeled and chopped carrots, 3 peeled and diced potatoes, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, and 2 bay leaves.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving warm over white rice or crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Root Vegetables?

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.

Related recipes