Name: Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 2 lbs chuck beef roast, cut into 1” cubes; 10 garlic cloves, chopped and divided; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; Sea salt and black pepper to taste; 4-5 medium red potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1” pieces; 2 onions, sliced; 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup dry white wine; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cinnamon stick; Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for serving; Warm bread for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 84 reviews

If your taste buds are ready for a comforting journey to sunny Portugal, this Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe will not disappoint. It is a heartwarming dish where tender chunks of chuck beef slowly simmer with aromatic garlic, smoky paprika, rich tomatoes, and earthy potatoes in a broth infused with a hint of cinnamon and white wine. Every spoonful bursts with balanced flavors and satisfying textures that make this stew a memorable meal for family dinners or special occasions. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it impossible not to make it a go-to classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw red meat pieces piled on a black slate cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. To the left of the meat is a wooden spoon with red spice powder, near a white bowl filled with red tomato sauce. Below the bowl are several pink potatoes grouped together. On the right side of the slate board, there is a cinnamon stick and a whole garlic bulb. A pair of red onions sits nearby, next to two stacked white bowls on a grey and white striped cloth. To the far right, fresh green herbs are laid on a round cork mat. A knife with a black handle is positioned in the lower left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether adding depth to the broth, tenderizing the meat, or bringing color and warmth to the bowl. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:

2 lbs chuck beef roast, cut into 1” cubes: Perfect for slow cooking, providing tender, flavorful meat.
10 garlic cloves, chopped and divided: Adds a robust aroma and depth, split to maximize flavor at different stages.
1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky kick, lending authenticity and color.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided: Enhances flavor and helps sauté aromatics evenly.
Sea salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight flavors.
4-5 medium red potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1” pieces: Adds body and heartiness with their creamy texture.
2 onions, sliced: Provides natural sweetness that deepens during cooking.
1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained: Introduces acidity and richness for the stew base.
1 cup dry white wine: Used for deglazing, bringing brightness and complexity.
2 cups beef broth: Creates a savory, comforting liquid that ties everything together.
1 cinnamon stick: Adds a gentle warmth and subtle spice with a unique twist.
Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for serving: A fresh, herbal finish that livens up the dish.

How to Make Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by combining the chuck beef cubes with half of the chopped garlic, smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Give everything a good mix so the beef is evenly coated. Then, let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. This step allows the smoky paprika and garlic to infuse deeply into the meat, making each bite bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics

When you’re ready to start cooking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and the rest of the garlic, stirring until the onions become translucent and develop a light golden hue. This step gently unlocks the sweetness of the onions and mellows the garlic for a comforting base.

Step 3: Build the Tomato-Wine Mixture

Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for a minute or two to meld the flavors. Then carefully deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping the bottom to lift all those savory bits from the pan—it’s pure flavor gold! Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 to 10 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Cook the Stew

Heat a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium heat. Add the marinated beef along with any juices from the bowl straight into the pot. Layer the chopped potatoes next—these will soften and soak up the flavors beautifully throughout the cooking process. Pour the onion, garlic, tomato, and wine mixture over the potatoes, then add beef broth until everything is just covered. Toss in the cinnamon stick to infuse the stew with a subtle warmth and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the stew to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, the chuck beef will become meltingly tender, and the potatoes will be perfectly cooked. After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes—this pause lets the flavors settle beautifully before serving.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finally, check the seasoning and add extra salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot, fragrant stew into bowls and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley to brighten every spoonful. This Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe is best enjoyed with warm crusty bread to soak up every luscious drop.

How to Serve Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe

A shiny metal pot with two handles sits on a white marbled surface, filled with bright red raw meat pieces, topped with small chopped pale yellow garlic and a sprinkling of red spice powder. Around the pot are three pinkish-red potatoes on the left, a cinnamon stick in front, and two whole dark red onions on the right. Behind the pot, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley, a white bowl with red sauce, three stacked white bowls with thin golden rims, a grey and white striped cloth, and a bottle of light yellow wine. The image has soft, natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here—it adds a burst of vibrant color and herbaceous freshness that perfectly balances the rich, slow-cooked flavors. Don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or even a drizzle of good olive oil on top just before serving for an extra layer of depth.

Side Dishes

This hearty stew pairs beautifully with rustic sides like crusty bread, excellent for mopping up the savory sauce. You might also serve it alongside simple steamed greens, such as kale or green beans, which provide a bright contrast and a pop of color on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this stew in small, individual ceramic ramekins or mini cast-iron pots to impress guests. Another lovely presentation is ladling the stew over creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes, turning it into an even more decadent comfort meal. No matter how you present it, the warmth and soul of this Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe always shine through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded further. Store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Freezing

If you want to keep the stew longer, freezing is a great option. Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave some space for expansion and try to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator or heat directly on low heat in a pot, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, stopping to stir every minute or so to ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the stew has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal because of its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, other cuts like brisket or short ribs can also work well. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly so the meat becomes nice and tender.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?

White wine adds a lovely acidity and depth that helps deglaze the pan and build layers of flavor. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with additional beef broth and a splash of white grape juice or a bit of lemon juice for brightness.

What can I do if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If smoked paprika isn’t on hand, regular sweet paprika will still add color and mild flavor, but you’ll lose the smoky element. To compensate, you might add a small amount of smoked salt or a tiny pinch of chipotle powder if you like a smoky heat.

Can this Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Yes! After marinating, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the beef and potatoes are tender. This hands-off method yields similarly tender results and allows the flavors to develop beautifully.

How thick should the stew be?

The stew should be rich and slightly thick but still spoonable with some broth present. If it’s too thin, simmer it down uncovered a little longer; if it gets too thick, just stir in more beef broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Portuguese Beef Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. The careful balance of smoky, savory, and subtly spiced flavors makes it a standout comfort meal that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this stew promises to bring everyone closer with every delicious spoonful. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become a favorite in so many kitchens.