The Easiest Homemade Beef Stew for a cozy night in
How we made it 🐾
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
2 tbsp sofrito
1 tsp adobo
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
3 to 4 potatoes, cubed
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
4 cups beef stock
1 tbsp butter
DIRECTIONS
1. In a bowl, season the beef with sofrito, adobo, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it sit 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high.
3. Sear beef until browned on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pan.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Add diced tomatoes and beef stock. Bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and cook 45 to 60 minutes until beef begins to get tender.
7. Add carrots. Simmer 10 minutes.
8. Add potatoes. Cook 15 to 20 minutes until fork tender.
9. Stir in onion, green pepper, and butter. Simmer 5 more minutes.
10. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
It gets even better the next day.
Choco’s version 🐾
Plain boiled beef, carrots, and potatoes. No salt, no adobo, no onions, no butter.
Not gourmet but it slapped. And honestly, you stayed for Choco 🐶💛
Making a comforting beef stew is one of my favorite ways to warm up on a chilly evening, and this recipe perfectly balances ease and flavor. The use of sofrito and adobo seasoning adds a unique depth, elevating this stew beyond the usual. I’ve found that letting the beef marinate in these spices before cooking really helps the meat absorb all those wonderful flavors. One tip I always follow is to take care when searing the beef. Browning the chunks in batches without overcrowding the pot creates a delicious crust that adds an extra layer of taste to the stew. Cooking it slowly afterward, as suggested, allows the beef to become tender and juicy instead of dry and tough. Adding the tomato paste early in the cooking process is crucial — it brings a rich umami that enhances the overall stew flavor. Simmering with diced tomatoes and beef stock creates a hearty base, while the gradual addition of carrots and potatoes ensures they stay firm but tender. Stirring in fresh onions, green peppers, and butter towards the end lifts the stew with bright and creamy notes. A personal favorite is making this stew a day ahead and letting it rest overnight in the fridge. This resting allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dish taste even more satisfying the next day, just like Tami and Choco mentioned. For a simpler alternative that still “slaps,” you might enjoy the plain boiled version with beef, carrots, and potatoes for a wholesome, straightforward dish. Whether you stick with the full gourmet version or go minimalist, this beef stew is perfect comfort food to cozy up with at home. Remember, taking your time with the cooking process will reward you with a meal that makes your house smell incredible and your taste buds happy.
