Slow-Cooked Beef with Amazonian Peppers and Cassava

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef simmered with vibrant Amazonian peppers and creamy cassava roots, delivering a taste that reflects Brazil’s rich tropical landscapes. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 125 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, cassava (yuca) root, peeled and diced, medium Amazonian sweet peppers, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until well browned and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Remove beef cubes and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pot. Add 3 sliced Amazonian sweet peppers, 3 cups beef broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
  4. Step 4: After 1 hour, add 1 lb peeled and diced cassava root to the pot. Continue to simmer covered for an additional 45 minutes until the beef is tender and cassava is soft.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef with Amazonian Peppers 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 with Amazonian Peppers 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 beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef with Amazonian Peppers 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 with Amazonian Peppers 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 with Amazonian Peppers 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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