Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Brazilian Spices and Cassava

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

A hearty Brazilian-inspired slow-cooked beef stew enriched with cassava and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 125 minutes pairs medium yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced, ounces diced tomatoes (canned) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 105 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 14 ounces diced canned tomatoes, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1.5 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot, pour in 3 cups beef broth, add 2 bay leaves, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour.
  5. Step 5: After 1 hour, add 2 cups peeled and cubed cassava to the stew, stir well, cover, and continue to cook for an additional 45 minutes until the cassava is tender and the beef is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves, sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro over the stew, stir gently, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Brazilian Spices and Cassava take to make?

Total time is about 125 minutes (20 min prep + 105 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 Stew with Brazilian Spices and Cassava?

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 medium yellow onion, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Brazilian Spices and Cassava?

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 Stew with Brazilian Spices and Cassava 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 Stew with Brazilian Spices and Cassava?

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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