Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew

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Image: eatinspired.com / All Rights reserved
A hearty Puerto Rican beef stew that fills your home with the most amazing aromas of sofrito, tender meat, and Latin spices as it simmers away. The combination of fall-apart beef, potatoes, carrots and olives in a rich tomato broth creates pure comfort food magic that tastes even better the next day. I learned this cherished recipe from my abuela, who would make big batches on Sunday afternoons while the whole family gathered at her house. It’s become my go-to dish for chilly weekends and special family gatherings, bringing back warm memories with every spoonful.


Ingredient List

  • 2.5 lb beef stew meat (chuck or round roast), diced in 0.5-inch cubes
  • 32 oz unsalted beef broth
  • 0.5 cup tomato paste
  • 0.33 cup dry red wine (merlot or cabernet)
  • 0.25 cup sofrito
  • 1 cup potato chunks
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 medium sliced onion
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 10 pimento-stuffed olives
  • 3 tsp beef or chicken bouillon
  • 2 tsp adobo seasoning blend
  • 2 tsp sazon with annatto
  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 0.5 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or oregano)
  • 3 dried bay leaves (or 1 fresh)
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Time 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time 150-180 minutes
Total Time 165-200 minutes
Level of Difficulty Medium

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season beef cubes with 2 teaspoons Adobo seasoning, then sear in batches in a heated Dutch oven with olive oil for 3-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add onions and sofrito to the same pan, scraping the bottom to release browned bits.
  3. Pour in Sazon, chicken bouillon, beef broth, red wine, tomato sauce, bay leaves, and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring to a boil.
  4. Return beef to pan, cover, and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. Mix in potatoes, carrots, and olives. Continue cooking for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  6. Stir in vinegar and adjust seasoning with bouillon or salt if needed. Serve with white rice, tostones, and salad.

Recipe Image
Image: eatinspired.com / All Rights reserved

Recipe Image
Image: eatinspired.com / All Rights reserved

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