Portuguese Carne Guisada (Tender Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots)

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips for the Best Carne Guisada
• What to Serve with Carne Guisada
• Storage Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe Summary
• Keep Portuguese Traditions Alive in Your Kitchen!
• Portuguese Carne Guisada (Tender Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a pot of slow-simmered Carne Guisada on the stove. It’s one of those classic Portuguese dishes that fills the house with the most incredible aroma and brings everyone straight to the kitchen asking what’s cooking.

This rich and saucy beef stew is made with tender chunks of flank steak, garlic, red wine, and a flavourful broth that slowly develops as it simmers. Add in carrots and potatoes, and you’ve got a hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

In many Portuguese homes, carne guisada is a staple. It’s simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The best part is how the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks low and slow, soaking up all those delicious flavours.

Serve it over a bowl of fluffy rice or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that rich sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef
• Rich garlicky sauce perfect for dipping bread
• Simple ingredients you likely already have at home
• One pot comfort meal
• Authentic Portuguese flavours

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Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, cut into triangles
• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 - 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 dashes of worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup red wine
• 2½ cups beef broth
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 8 to 12 small potatoes (about 2 handfuls), halved if needed or 2 large Yukon Potatoes
• 1 tablespoon pimenta moída or chili paste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1

Cut the flank steak into triangles, making sure to slice against the grain. This helps the meat become tender as it cooks.

Step 2

Season the beef with salt, pepper.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides. This step builds deep flavour in the stew, remove beef and set aside.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Add the garlic, paprika, pimenta moida, bay leaf, worcestershire sauce and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release all the flavourful bits. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 7

Add the beef broth and beef back in. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes.

Step 8

Add the carrots and potatoes. Continue simmering for another 25 to 35 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork tender.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Tips for the Best Carne Guisada

• Always cut flank steak against the grain to ensure tender meat.
• Let the stew simmer gently, not boil, so the beef stays tender.
• Potatoes help naturally thicken the sauce as they cook.
• If you want extra sauce, simply add another splash of beef broth while it simmers.

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What to Serve with Carne Guisada

This Portuguese beef stew pairs perfectly with:

• White rice
• Crusty bread
• Simple green salad
• Portuguese roasted vegetables

The rich sauce is perfect for soaking into rice or dipping bread.

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Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Carne guisada actually tastes even better the next day once the flavours have had time to develop.

Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes. Chuck roast, stewing beef, or blade roast also work very well for this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavours deepen.

Can I freeze carne guisada?

Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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Recipe Summary

This Portuguese carne guisada is a comforting one-pot beef stew made with tender flank steak, garlic, red wine, potatoes, and carrots. Slow simmered until rich and saucy, it’s the perfect meal to serve over rice or with crusty bread.

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Keep Portuguese Traditions Alive in Your Kitchen!

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