Picadinho: How to Make Brazil's Quick Diced Beef Stew

Brazilian picadinho

• Serves 4 servings
• Prep 15 min
• Cook 35 min
• Total 50 min

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef (alcatra/top sirloin or our seasoned picadinho), diced ½ to ¾ inch
• 1½ tsp salt (skip if using seasoned picadinho)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 to 1½ cups hot water or beef broth
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley and green onion

Instructions

1. Season the diced beef with salt and pepper, unless it's already seasoned.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy pot over high heat. Brown the beef in 2 or 3 batches, without stirring for the first minute, until well browned. Move each batch to a bowl.
3. Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining oil, and cook the onion and bell pepper for 4 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato paste and paprika and stir for 1 minute.
4. Add the tomatoes and a splash of the water and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.
5. Return the beef and its juices, add enough water to barely cover, and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and simmer on low until tender, 20 to 30 minutes for top sirloin (longer for tougher cuts).
7. Uncover and simmer a few minutes until the sauce is glossy and thick. Taste for salt and finish with parsley and green onion.