Spiced Latin American Beef and Black Bean Stew

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

A hearty and comforting stew featuring tender beef simmered with black beans and warm Latin American spices. This latin american ready in about 85 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, black beans, cooked, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until deeply caramelized, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano, cooking for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot along with 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup cooked black beans, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken the stew slightly. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the stew for a bright finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Latin American Beef and Black Bean Stew take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 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 Spiced Latin American Beef and Black Bean Stew?

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, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Latin American Beef and Black Bean Stew?

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 Spiced Latin American Beef and Black Bean Stew 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 Spiced Latin American Beef and Black Bean Stew?

Latin American latin american 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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