Slow-Simmered Salvadoran Beef with Tomato and Spices
Tender chunks of beef braised slowly in a rich tomato sauce infused with traditional Central American spices. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 165 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, salt, black pepper 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes evenly with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 bay leaf. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6: Return beef to the pot, cover partially, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beef is fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7: Remove bay leaf, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm with rice or tortillas.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Salvadoran Beef with Tomato and Spices take to make?
Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 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-Simmered Salvadoran Beef with Tomato and 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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Salvadoran Beef with Tomato and 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-Simmered Salvadoran Beef with Tomato and Spices 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-Simmered Salvadoran Beef with Tomato and Spices?
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.
