Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Tomato and Peppers

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

A classic Brazilian beef stew simmered with tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed beef chuck and brown evenly for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until all sides are seared.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper, cooking for another 3 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 1 cup beef broth. Add 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm over rice or with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Tomato and Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 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 Tomato and Peppers?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Tomato and Peppers?

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 Tomato and Peppers 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 Tomato and Peppers?

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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