Portuguese Beef Stew
A hearty Portuguese beef stew featuring tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and warm spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. beef stew meat ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 8 oz. canned tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 5 medium potatoes ⓘ
- 4 medium carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cold water
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, quickly cook the beef in hot oil until browned, working in batches if necessary.
- Return all the browned meat to the pan.
- Add water, tomato sauce, bay leaves, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, cinnamon, and allspice to the meat.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour until the meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight in vinegar and spices. You can substitute the beef with lamb or chicken for a different taste. If you're short on time, use pre-cut stew meat to speed up preparation. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance the richness, similar to how it is used in Ceylonese Beef preparations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs beautifully with Portuguese Cabbage Soup for a complete meal. For a garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley or serve alongside a simple green salad for freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. This stew also freezes well; just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portuguese Beef Stew contains roughly 1859 calories, with 25g protein, 327g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (319% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (195% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1440mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, peas, or even turnips for added flavor and nutrition. Just ensure that they are cut into similar-sized pieces to maintain even cooking.
How do I know when the beef is tender enough?
The beef is ready when it can be easily pierced with a fork and falls apart with little resistance. This usually takes about an hour of simmering, but if it's not tender, continue cooking and check every 10-15 minutes.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).