Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Tropical Citrus

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

A comforting Brazilian stew featuring tender beef cubes simmered with tomatoes and brightened by fresh lime and orange zest. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, 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
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb beef chuck cubes and sear for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, add 1 tsp fresh lime zest and 1 tsp fresh orange zest, stir well, and cook uncovered for 10 more minutes to thicken the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Finish by stirring in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm over white rice or farofa.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Tropical Citrus 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 Tropical Citrus?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Picadinho with Tropical Citrus?

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 Tropical Citrus 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 Tropical Citrus?

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