Slow-Cooked Bolivian Beef Seco with Potatoes

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

A hearty Bolivian stew featuring tender beef slow-cooked with aromatic spices and potatoes, delivering rich Andean comfort in every bite. This Latin American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, yellow onion, diced, 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 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: 120 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown the beef on all sides for 8 minutes until caramelized, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp cumin powder, and 2 tbsp ají amarillo paste, cooking for 2 minutes until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pot and deglaze with 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Pour in 3 cups beef broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 1.5 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 peeled and quartered medium potatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Continue cooking uncovered for 30 minutes until the potatoes are soft and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to add brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Bolivian Beef Seco with Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Bolivian Beef Seco with Potatoes?

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 yellow onion, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Bolivian Beef Seco with Potatoes?

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 Bolivian Beef Seco with Potatoes 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 Bolivian Beef Seco with Potatoes?

Latin American 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