Slow-Cooked Salvadoran Beef Stew with Corn and Potatoes

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-02 · Updated 2026-06-02

Tender chunks of beef simmered with sweet corn, potatoes, and aromatic spices for a comforting Salvadoran stew. This Latin American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, vegetable oil, onion 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.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large, diced onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• for serving lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and sear for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides; transfer beef to a plate.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced large onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp ground cumin; cook for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot and pour in 4 cups beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours until beef is tender.
5. Step 5: Add 1 cup fresh corn kernels and 2 peeled, cubed medium potatoes; simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until potatoes are soft and stew thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring well.
7. Step 7: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the stew for brightness.