Looking for an easy and delicious dinner idea? Try this Paraguayan Beef Stew with Rice, also known as "Guiso de Arroz." This recipe features tender beef, vegetables, and spices cooked with rice to create a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
With minimal prep time and just 30 minutes, it is ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying meal. Plus, it can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences.
How to Make Beef Stew with Rice
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- Sear the Beef: Add the beef to the pot and season it with salt and pepper. Cook, turning occasionally, until the beef is seared and browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, poblano pepper, red bell pepper, carrot, garlic, and tomatoes to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 10 to 15 minutes. If needed, reduce the heat. If the mixture becomes too dry, you can add a splash of water to prevent sticking.
- Add Tomato Paste and Sugar: Stir in the tomato paste, beef bouillon, and sugar. Cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release all the crispy layers; this is where the guiso gets its flavor.
- Add Rice: Add the rice and stir. Pour in the water and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring often to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom, until the rice is just tender, about 7 to 12 minutes.
- Season and Finish: Taste the guiso and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt if needed. Stir in the chopped cilantro, if using.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Beef Stew with Rice
Ingredients
- 1 kg / 2.2 lbs beef tip or beef chuck , lean (cut into small pieces or thin strips)
- 5 Garlic cloves , finely minced
- 1 medium yellow onion , finely chopped
- 1 poblano pepper or green bell pepper , finely chopped *(I like to use poblano pepper because it gives a spicy mellow flavor).
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper , cut in half, seeded and finely chopped
- 5 fresh Tomatoes , diced *(If you don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use 200g/1 cup crushed tomatoes or puree).
- 400 g (2 cups) uncooked Jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt , to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin , optional
- 2 tablespoons Knorr beef flavor bouillon , adjust to your liking.
- 2 carrots , finely chopped or thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper or cayenne pepper
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil or canola oil , as needed
- 2 tablespoons cilantro , chopped
- 200 g frozen sweet peas (optional)
- 1 Liter (5 cups) hot water
- 2 tablespoons flat leaves parsley , chopped
- 2 Yukon gold potatoes , diced into ½ inch (optional)
- 2 fresh bay leaves
Instructions
- Heat the oil over high heat until shimmering in a large nonstick pot. Add the beef, salt, and beef bouillon and saute, string occasionally until well browned, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low, add the onion, poblano, bell pepper, carrot, and tomatoes, and occasionally cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften (reducing heat, if necessary), about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the sugar and the tomato paste and cook, occasionally stirring, for 2 more minutes. Add the bay leaves and cumin if used.
- Stir in the rice and cook, occasionally stirring, for 2 minutes. Pour in hot water; taste and adjust season with kosher salt or beef bouillon, if needed.
- Cover the pot and bring it to a simmer; cook until the rice is slightly undercooked, stirring every 3 minutes to ensure that the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro. Cover and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Remove the Bay leaves and serve. Enjoy! 😋
Notes
- To store: Allow the beef stew with rice to cool to room temperature before storing it. You can store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- To reheat: To reheat the beef stew with rice, you can use a microwave, stovetop, or oven. If using a microwave, place the stew in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. If using a stovetop, place the stew in a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.