Puerto Rican Beef Stew Recipe

Puerto Rican beef stew is a soul-warming dish known for its deep flavor, fork-tender beef, and colorful medley of vegetables. Also called Carne Guisada, this comforting stew is a staple in Puerto Rican kitchens, passed down through generations and shared at family tables with pride. Every bite speaks of slow simmered love, seasoned just right with sofrito, adobo, and that unmistakable island heart.

This stew brings together tender beef chunks, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers in a savory tomato-based broth. It’s simmered until everything melts together into a rich, hearty meal that clings beautifully to a bed of white rice. Whether you’re craving something cozy for a rainy afternoon or planning a homey Sunday supper, Puerto Rican beef stew wraps you in a sense of warmth and tradition.

There’s a reason this dish holds such a special place in Puerto Rican homes—it’s more than a meal, it’s a memory. The full recipe is just below, but don’t skip the helpful tips. A few small touches, like searing the beef just right or knowing when to add the potatoes, can make all the difference.

Puerto Rican Beef Stew Ingredients

To make a traditional Puerto Rican beef stew, you don’t need fancy ingredients—just the right ones. Each plays a special role in creating that beloved depth of flavor and comforting texture. Let’s go over what you’ll need, plus a few easy substitutions in case your pantry looks a little different.

Beef Chuck Roast:

The best cut for stew is boneless beef chuck. It becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when simmered slowly. If you can’t find chuck, try bottom round or even beef stew meat as a backup.

Potatoes & Carrots:

These are the classic vegetables in carne guisada. Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold hold their shape best, but russets work too. Carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.

Bell Peppers & Onion:

A mix of red or green peppers gives a fresh bite. Sweet yellow onions cook down into the stew base and help build its savory backbone.

Garlic & Sofrito:

Fresh garlic is essential, but the real flavor magic comes from sofrito—a puréed blend of garlic, onion, peppers, cilantro, and culantro. If you don’t have homemade, store-bought versions work fine.

Tomato Sauce:

Gives the stew its signature reddish color and slight acidity. Crushed tomatoes can be used in a pinch but adjust the seasoning to balance the taste.

Beef Broth or Water:

Broth deepens the richness. Use low sodium to control salt levels. Water will do in a pinch, but add extra herbs or bouillon.

Seasonings (Sazón, Adobo, Bay Leaf, Oregano):

Sazón and adobo are pantry essentials in Puerto Rican cooking. They bring that earthy, garlicky punch. Don’t skip the bay leaf—it quietly adds complexity.

Olives or Capers (Optional):

Not everyone adds them, but for a tangy twist, green olives or capers add to your Puerto Rican beef stew a briny note that cuts through the richness beautifully.

How To Make Puerto Rican Beef Stew (Step-by-Step Guide)

Making this Puerto Rican beef stew is easy if you follow these steps! The key is building flavor from the start, allowing the stew to simmer low and slow until the meat is tender and the broth is thick and savory. Let’s walk through it step-by-step.

Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting your beef into 1½-inch chunks. Season the meat generously with adobo and sazón. Then peel and chop the carrots and potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Dice the onions and bell peppers, and have your sofrito, garlic, and tomato sauce ready to go.

Step 2 – Cook the Base

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, searing each side until deep golden. Remove and set aside. Lower the heat, then add onions, peppers, garlic, and sofrito. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3 – Add Main Ingredients

Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, bay leaf, and a pinch more adobo. Add your chopped carrots and potatoes. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 4 – Simmer and Finish

Cover the pot partially and let the stew simmer for 60–90 minutes. Stir occasionally, checking the liquid level. The beef should become tender, and the broth will thicken into a rich gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf before serving. For a little extra flair, garnish with chopped cilantro or a few sliced green olives. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy white rice.

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Tips for Success

Getting the most out of your Puerto Rican beef stew comes down to a few smart kitchen habits and classic tricks. These tips help bring out the bold, rich flavor the dish is known for while making sure every bite is tender and satisfying.

Brown the Beef First

It’s tempting to skip this step, but don’t. Searing the beef adds a deep, savory flavor that builds the foundation of the stew. Work in batches so you don’t crowd the pan.

Use Sofrito Generously

Sofrito is the heart of the flavor. Whether homemade or store-bought, don’t hold back. It’s what gives Carne Guisada that unmistakable Puerto Rican beef stew character.

Simmer Low and Slow

A rolling boil will toughen the beef. Keep it at a gentle simmer to tenderize the meat and meld the flavors. Be patient—this is comfort food, not fast food.

Add Potatoes Later (if needed)

If your potatoes cook faster than your beef, you can wait to add them about halfway through. This prevents them from turning mushy by the end for your Puerto Rican beef stew.

Skim and Stir Occasionally

Keep an eye on the pot and give it a stir now and then. This ensures nothing sticks to the bottom and keeps the broth smooth and thick.

Taste Before Serving

Before dishing the Puerto Rican beef stew up, always taste and adjust your seasoning. A little extra sazón or salt at the end might make it just right.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying Puerto Rican beef stew, the sides are just as comforting as the stew itself. This rich, savory dish pairs beautifully with classic island staples and can turn a simple dinner into something memorable.

White Rice

This is the traditional companion—fluffy long-grain rice soaks up the delicious gravy, making each bite deeply satisfying. Try it with arroz blanco or even yellow rice for a little color and flavor twist.

Avocado Slices

Cool, creamy avocado offers a lovely contrast to the warm, robust stew. A sprinkle of salt and lime on the avocado brightens the whole plate.

Sweet Plantains or Tostones

Fried plantains—sweet or smashed and crispy—add a touch of sweetness or crunch that plays nicely with the stew’s hearty flavor.

Crisp Green Salad

A fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette can lighten up the Puerto Rican beef stew plate and refresh the palate between bites of beefy goodness.

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls

These are perfect for mopping up every drop of that flavorful broth. A soft roll or slice of pan de agua works especially well.

Craving something creamy on the side? This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet makes a lovely pairing.

Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of Puerto Rican beef stew is how adaptable it can be. Whether you’re cooking for a special diet or just want to try something new, a few small changes can give you a completely different experience—without losing the stew’s comforting soul.

Swap the Protein

While beef is traditional, you can easily make a version with chicken thighs or pork shoulder. Both absorb the bold seasoning well and cook up tender. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make It Spicy

Want a little kick? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing your base. You can also stir in a spoonful of hot sauce before serving.

Go Vegan or Vegetarian

Skip the meat and double up on veggies like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and even chickpeas. Add a splash of soy sauce or a vegan bouillon cube for umami richness.

Low-Sodium or Gluten-Free Tips

Choose no-salt-added tomato sauce and broth, and make sure your sazón and adobo are low-sodium or homemade. Most versions of carne guisada are naturally gluten-free but always double-check your spice blends.

Add a Tangy Twist

Some folks love to stir in green olives or capers toward the end of cooking. This adds a salty, briny depth that balances the rich stew beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat

After enjoying a hearty bowl of Puerto Rican beef stew, you’ll be glad to know it stores and reheats beautifully. In fact, the flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers even more delicious.

Refrigerator Storage

Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep rice stored separately to avoid it soaking up too much broth.

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, portion the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (laid flat to save space). It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label and date the containers.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat on the stovetop, place the stew in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Stir occasionally until hot.

For a quick Puerto Rican beef stew reheat, use the microwave, covering the bowl with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Stir halfway through the heating for even warmth.

Can You Freeze Puerto Rican Beef Stew?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze Puerto Rican beef stew—and it freezes quite well. In fact, this dish is a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeks or chilly nights when you need a quick, comforting meal.

Freezing Tips:

Cool the stew completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Divide it into individual portions if you plan to reheat just a bowl or two at a time. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and label each container with the date.

Thawing and Reheating:

To thaw, place the frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave gently in a covered dish with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Puerto Rican Beef Stew Recipe Card

Puerto Rican Beef Stew Recipe

Recipe by RebeccaCourse: Main DishCuisine: Puerto RicanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Calories

380

kcal

A hearty and flavorful Puerto Rican beef stew with tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and aromatic spices simmered to perfection.

Gather Your Goodies

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes

• 2 tablespoons adobo seasoning

• 1 packet sazón (with annatto)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sofrito

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 3 cups beef broth

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: green olives or capers for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking

• Season beef with adobo and sazón. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Brown the beef in batches; remove and set aside.
• Add onion, pepper, garlic, and sofrito to the pot. Sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, bay leaf, and return the beef to the pot. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
• Add potatoes and carrots, reduce heat to low, and simmer partially covered for 60–90 minutes until beef is tender.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf. Garnish with olives or fresh cilatro if desired.
• Serve hot over white rice.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, ensure seasonings are certified gluten-free. Add olives in the last 10 minutes for a briny finish. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months.

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FAQs About Puerto Rican Beef Stew

Curious about what makes Puerto Rican beef stew special or how it differs from other dishes? Here are some common questions that often come up when making or learning about carne guisada.

Final Thoughts on Puerto Rican Beef Stew

There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of Puerto Rican beef stew. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth, draws people to the table, and brings comfort with every spoonful. Whether you grew up with carne guisada or you’re discovering it for the first time, this recipe offers a taste of home and tradition.

Slow-cooked with care and seasoned with love, this stew delivers rich, savory flavors that get better with each bite. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, cozy weeknights, or anytime you want a meal that soothes the soul. Plus, it’s flexible enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

If you give the Puerto Rican beef stew a try, we’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment or rating—and don’t forget to explore more hearty dishes while you’re here.