This meal was always a favorite of mine growing whenever my mother made it. She made it from scratch and over the stovetop and always managed to get the beef chuck super tender, but it it take some time. However, it was hearty and full of flavor, totally worth the time. We use to eat it over rice, but you can certainly enjoy it on it’s own or with mashed potatoes. Naturally, in today’s world, I managed to make it quicker and just as tasty.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs. of boneless chuck beef
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 celery stalks
- 3 medium carrots
- 3 medium potatoes (I used russet)
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 tsp. adobo
- 2 heaping tbsp. sofrito
- 2 tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 regular Goya Sazon packet
- 1 Goya Sazon con culantro y achiote packet
- 1 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch and 1 tbsp. water, for slurry
- 3/4 cup frozen veggies
1. Clean and cut up celery, carrots and potatoes into 2-3 inch pieces. Set aside
2. Clean, trim fat and cut up chuck beef into 1-1 1/2 inch chunks. Season with the salt and pepper. In the Instant pot, use the sauté feature. Add about 2 tbsp. oil and brown the meat on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, in batches. Set aside.
2. Add sofrito and cook for about 2 minutes. Next, add the Sazon, adobo, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 1 minutes. Now, add the broth and deglaze the bottom of the pan. Make sure all veggies are coated well. Add the beef with all it’s accumulated juices and mixed thoroughly. Mix cornstarch and water. Add to the stew along with the bay leaf. Cover and cook for at least 15 minutes. Allow for natural release about 10-15 minutes. Turn on the sauté feature and add the frozen peas or mixed veggies to the stew and stir in. The meat and veggies will be fork tender.
You stew is ready to eat on it’s own or with a side dish of rice, mashed potatoes, bread or even noodles. You can sprinkle some parsley if you like for some color. Takes me back to when I was a kid and I know my mother would be proud that I made this dish without compromising flavor. My whole family enjoyed it and that’s the best compliment ever! Best thing to eat during the cold winter months. Hope you give it try. Thank you for stopping by and Buen Provecho!
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