Slow-Simmered Spiced Beef with Achiote and Potatoes

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

Tender beef chunks slow-cooked with earthy achiote paste and potatoes, delivering a rich and flavorful Bolivian-inspired dish. This Latin American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 110 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, achiote paste 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: 90 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large sliced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp achiote paste; cook for 2 minutes to release its deep color and flavor.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried oregano; stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: After one hour, add 2 peeled and quartered medium potatoes, season with salt and black pepper to taste, cover, and continue simmering for 30 minutes until beef and potatoes are tender.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Spiced Beef with Achiote and Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Spiced Beef with Achiote and 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Spiced Beef with Achiote and 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-Simmered Spiced Beef with Achiote and Potatoes 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-Simmered Spiced Beef with Achiote and 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.

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