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Tuga Pops − Monday, October 19, 2015, 11 Years ago in Soup Recipes
5 out of 5 with 160 ratings

Carne Guisada Recipe: Authentic Portuguese Beef Stew

Master this Carne Guisada recipe for a rich Portuguese Beef Stew. Use a refogado base and red pepper flakes for authentic depth. Easy, one-pot comfort!
2 h 15 min 4 servings Easy Prep time 15 min Cooking Time 2 h
Soup Recipes
10 reviews
165k views

Why you will love this Carne Guisada Recipe: Authentic Portuguese Beef Stew

This Carne Guisada recipe delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with a rich, wine-hued sauce and deeply caramelized aromatics. Our authentic Portuguese Beef Stew starts with a traditional refogado base, layering garlic and tomato paste for incredible depth. Featuring a hint of piri-piri heat and sweet potatoes, this one-pot comfort meal is slow-simmered until the beef is fork-tender. Perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil1 1/2 lbs beef round steak, cut into small pieces1 1/4 teaspoons salt1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper1 large onion, sliced2 green peppers, cut into thin strips (optional)6 garlic cloves, minced2 tablespoons tomato paste35 ounce can Italian plum tomatoes, crushed, with the juiceWater (to taste)1 bay leaf1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes1 carrot chopped3 potatos, peeled and cubed1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves

Equipment:

Dutch ovenHeavy skilletPlateCutting boardKnifeMeasuring spoonsSpoonStirring spoonCan openerPeelerPotato masher

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. In a Dutch oven or heavy skillet heat the olive oil over high heat.
  2. Season the beef with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the black pepper.
  3. Sauté the beef, in batches if necessary so that the pan is not crowded, until well-browned on all sides, about 4 minutes. 
  4. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
  5. Add the onion and green peppers, carrot to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and caramelized around the edges, about 6 minutes.
  6. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  7. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  8. Add the tomatoes, water, bay leaf, crushed red pepper and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt.
  9. Return the beef to the pan and bring the sauce to a boil.
  10. Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially covered and let the beef cook for 45 minutes.
  11. Add the potatoes and sweet potato and cook until they are easily pierced through with a fork (about 45 minutes).
  12. Add the parsley and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

•
When browning the beef, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the meat to steam instead of sear. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor and a nice crust on the meat.
•
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef in a mixture of red wine, garlic, and herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will enhance the tenderness and infuse additional flavors into the carne guisada.
•
Avoid adding too much water at the start; instead, add it incrementally as the stew simmers. This will help you control the consistency of the stew and ensure it doesn't become too watery. The natural juices from the tomatoes and beef will also contribute to the overall flavor and thickness.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
525 kcal
Fat
25 g
Carbs
46 g
Protein
31 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Yes, you can substitute other cuts of beef such as chuck roast or brisket. These cuts tend to be more flavorful and will also become tender with long cooking.

How should I store leftovers of carne guisada?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

What can I use instead of fresh parsley?

If you don't have fresh parsley on hand, you can substitute it with dried parsley (use about 1 tablespoon) or omit it altogether. If you're looking for a similar flavor, fresh cilantro or basil can also be nice alternatives.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Douro Red - This wine's robust character and fruity notes complement the savory depth of the beef stew.

General: Malbec - The rich tannins and dark fruit flavors of Malbec enhance the hearty flavors of the dish.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This pale lager offers a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.

General: Amber Ale - The maltiness and moderate hop bitterness of an amber ale balance the dish's savory elements beautifully.

Other Beverages

Coffee: A rich, dark roast coffee can provide a warm, comforting finish that pairs well with the hearty stew.

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Reviews (10) Add a review

Michelle
Michelle
How much water do you add? Thank you
reply
4 Years ago, Thursday, January 5, 2023
Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
We add just enough water to cover everything, we don't like it very brothy as it takes away from the taste, so just add as much as you like.
reply
4 Years ago, Thursday, January 5, 2023
al duarte
al duarte
delicious
reply
4 Years ago, Saturday, December 10, 2022
David
David
Recipe was perfect, but I chose to kick it up by adding 1 lb of linguica cut to bit size piece's and 2 cups of beef broth and a Portuguese roll on the side with butter.
Thank you for a great meal 🤙
reply
4 Years ago, Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Glad to hear David, thank you for the feedback.
reply
4 Years ago, Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Teena
Teena
Very tasty recipe, next time I will cut the carrots smaller to expedite cooking. Made some simple white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce and it was perfect. Adding this recipe to my family keeper pile.

Thanks for sharing.
reply
4 Years ago, Sunday, February 13, 2022
Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
I'm happy to hear that Teena, enjoy.
reply
4 Years ago, Sunday, February 13, 2022
Stephanie
Stephanie
This recipe is so delicious! I didn't have sweet potatoes so I just added a pinch of sugar for sweetness and more of the potatoes I had on hand. It came out Hearty and cozy.
reply
5 Years ago, Thursday, September 16, 2021
Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great to hear Stephanie.
reply
5 Years ago, Saturday, September 18, 2021

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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