Name: Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks; 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning; 1 cup sofrito; 1 packet sazón with achiote; 1 cup tomato sauce; 4 cups beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped; 1/2 cup green olives

Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew is comfort in a bowl. Rich with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a deeply seasoned broth infused with traditional sofrito, this stew is the kind of dish that brings the whole family to the table. It simmers to perfection and fills your kitchen with aromas that feel like a warm hug.

Whether you’re new to Puerto Rican cuisine or grew up on abuela’s cooking, this beef stew will take you back to something familiar, hearty, and soulful. It’s a celebration of flavor, and the leftovers (if there are any) are even better the next day. This dish is proof that stew doesn’t have to be heavy to be deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew

This stew is slow-cooked magic. You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make something unforgettable. It’s layered with flavor thanks to the iconic trifecta of sofrito, sazón, and adobo, which all contribute to that distinct Puerto Rican essence. Plus, it’s flexible. Want to add yuca or sweet potato? Go for it. Prefer chicken over beef? The base works beautifully either way.

More than anything, this is a meal made to feed people you love. It fills you up without weighing you down, and the flavor only deepens as it rests.

What Cut of Beef is Best for Puerto Rican Beef Stew?

The best beef for Puerto Rican beef stew is chuck roast. It’s affordable and full of marbled fat, which melts into the stew as it cooks, keeping everything moist and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck, brisket or stewing beef will work, but make sure to cook it low and slow to get that fork-tender texture that makes this dish irresistible.

Ingredients for the Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew

Every ingredient in this stew has a purpose, and together they create a harmony of comfort and culture in every spoonful.

Beef chuck roast: This cut becomes buttery soft when slow-cooked and absorbs the stew’s spices like a sponge.

Sofrito: A vibrant blend of onions, peppers, garlic, cilantro, and culantro that forms the base of Puerto Rican flavor.

Adobo seasoning: A bold blend that adds instant depth and salty-savory punch.

Sazón with achiote: Brings color and earthy, garlicky flavor that’s signature in Latin dishes.

Tomato sauce: Adds a slight acidity that balances the richness of the beef.

Beef broth: A robust base that carries all the seasoning and infuses the meat and veggies.

Carrots and potatoes: Classic stew staples that soften into silky bites and soak up the seasoned broth.

Green olives: Briny and slightly tangy, they brighten the dish and add contrast.

Bay leaves: Offer an aromatic backbone that rounds out the flavors.

Olive oil: For browning the beef and helping the sofrito release its magic.

How To Make the Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef chuck in batches, seasoning with adobo as it browns. Sear each piece until it’s golden on the outside. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat slightly and add more oil if needed. Stir in the sofrito and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant. Add the sazón and tomato sauce, mixing to coat everything in that vivid color.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Return the beef to the pot and pour in beef broth until it just covers the meat. Toss in the bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 1.5 hours, checking occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

After 90 minutes, stir in chopped carrots, potatoes, and green olives. Continue simmering uncovered for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender and the broth has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt or more adobo if needed. Remove bay leaves, serve hot with white rice or crusty bread, and enjoy every comforting spoonful.

How to Serve and Store This Hearty Stew

This Puerto Rican beef stew feeds about 6 to 8 hungry eaters, especially when served with a side of rice or tostones. For serving, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with a few extra olives or chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

To store, let it cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and gets even tastier as it sits. For longer storage, freeze in portions and thaw gently on the stove.

What to Serve With Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew?

White Rice

Fluffy, plain white rice is the classic partner. It soaks up all the savory broth and balances the richness.

Tostones

Crispy smashed green plantains add crunch and a slightly sweet contrast.

Avocado Slices

Creamy, cool avocado brings balance to the heat and saltiness of the stew.

Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas (Arroz con Gandules)

Double down on Puerto Rican flair with this flavorful rice dish.

Fresh Salad

A simple lettuce, tomato, and onion salad with vinegar dressing offers a bright, refreshing side.

Sweet Fried Plantains (Maduros)

For a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spiced stew.

Crusty Bread

Perfect for sopping up every last drop of that delicious broth.

Want More Stew Ideas?

If you love this Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew, you’ll definitely want to try these other savory creations:

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for something rich and cozy.
Creamy Mushroom Ravioli when you’re craving a pasta-based comfort dish.
Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies if you want something nourishing for dessert.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a creamy and cheesy weeknight hit.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add sweet potato or keep it classic? Did you go with rice or crusty bread?

I love hearing how others bring these flavors to life. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better.

Explore more flavorful Latin and Caribbean meals and discover cozy favorites on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

This Moist Puerto Rican Beef Stew is more than a recipe. It’s tradition. It’s flavor. It’s love in a pot. Whether you’re making it for a cold day or a family gathering, it’s sure to warm everyone from the inside out. Grab your spoon and savor every bite.