Ground beef stew is a popular homemade dish across Latin American kitchens, often served with rice, beans, fried sweet plantains, potatoes, or avocado. It is a simple, affordable, and filling recipe made with ground beef simmered in a flavorful base of onion, garlic, tomato, bell pepper, and spices.
It is an everyday family meal, loved because it is quick, practical, and full of comforting flavor.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 200 g chopped tomato (2 medium tomatoes)
- 120 g chopped red onion (1 medium onion)
- 80 g chopped green bell pepper (1/2 bell pepper)
- 10 g minced garlic (2 cloves)
- 30 ml vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
- 120 ml water or beef broth (1/2 cup)
- 5 g ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
- 5 g achiote powder or paste (1 teaspoon)
- 3 g ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
- 6 g salt (1 teaspoon)
- 10 g chopped cilantro (2 tablespoons)
Preparation
- Make the sofrito, heat the oil in a large skillet and cook the onion, bell pepper, and garlic for about 4 minutes, until the onion looks translucent and fragrant.
- Add the tomato, stir in the chopped tomato, achiote, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, gently mashing the tomato until it forms a thick sauce.
- Cook the beef, add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Stir for about 8 minutes, until it loses its raw color and blends with the sofrito.
- Simmer the stew, pour in the water or broth, lower the heat, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the beef is juicy but not watery.
- Finish and serve, add the chopped cilantro, stir well, adjust the salt, and serve hot.
Practical Tips
Use ground beef with a little fat for a juicier stew.
Avoid cooking the beef too long over high heat, as it can dry out.
Cook the tomato well before adding the beef for a richer flavor.
Traditional Variations
Many home versions include diced potatoes to make the dish heartier.
Some families also add peas, carrots, or raisins depending on local and household traditions.
How to Serve
Serve ground beef stew hot with white rice, fried sweet plantains, avocado, or beans. It can also be used as a filling for empanadas, stuffed potatoes, or casseroles.
Recommended Sides
- White rice
- Fried sweet plantains
- Avocado
- Lentils or beans
- Fresh salad
Fun Fact
Ground beef stew is one of those family recipes that changes slightly from home to home. The base is simple, but every cook adds a personal touch through spices, vegetables, potatoes, or a richer sofrito.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional versions usually use ground beef. A little fat helps the stew stay juicy and flavorful, so avoid meat that is extremely lean.
Yes. You can make it ahead and reheat it gently with a few tablespoons of water or broth to bring back its saucy texture.
Do not cook it too long without liquid. After browning the beef with the sofrito, add water or broth and let it simmer gently.
