Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Cassava and Tropical Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Brazilian-inspired beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef simmered with cassava, bell peppers, and warm spices, evoking the diverse flavors of Brazil’s savanna regions. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 120 minutes pairs medium red bell pepper, diced, large yellow onion, chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 100 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until deeply colored. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot and stir in 2 cups peeled and chopped cassava, 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, and 3 cups beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until beef and cassava are tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over the stew.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 120 minutes (20 min prep + 100 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 Cassava and Tropical 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 medium red bell pepper, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Cassava and Tropical 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 Stew with Cassava and Tropical 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 Stew with Cassava and Tropical 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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