Beef Afritada Recipe 2023

Beef Afritada is an easy one-pot meal that the whole family will love. This Filipino Beef Stew is hearty and delicious with beef, root vegetables, and colorful peppers in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce!

One of the most popular and followed recipes here on Kawaling Pinoy is my version of chicken afritada. This dish is in the top ten list of what drives the most traffic of the month and I’m not surprised!

With juicy chicken, tender root vegetables and colorful peppers slow-cooked in fresh tomatoes, it’s sure to hit the spot!

Today, however, it’s all about the beef afritada. Of the many variations of this ubiquitous Filipino stew, I have to say this is my favorite. I’m not much of a beef person, but there’s just something about fork-tender meat smothered in a thick, hearty sauce that’s hard to resist.

In addition, it is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Cooking tips

• Fry the potatoes, carrots and peppers in a pan so they keep their shape while cooking in the sauce.
• Cut the beef into uniform size for even cooking.
• Pat dry with paper towels as excess moisture will create steam and prevent a caramelized crust from forming on the meat.
• Brown the beef properly. Fry on medium-high heat and do not overcrowd the pan. Be patient and let the meat brown before turning.
• Contrary to popular belief, roasting meat is not meant to seal in moisture, but to add depth of flavor and a more appealing color. Finish the stew in the same pan and don’t even bother to wash or wipe the pan after browning the beef. These toasted pieces add incredible flavor to the goulash!
• You can reduce the liquid until it clings deliciously to the meat and potatoes, or you can simmer it until it thickens into a rich sauce that can be spooned over the rice.

How to serve

Serve Afritadang baka as a main dish for lunch or dinner with steamed rice. Another of my favorite ways to enjoy it is as a pandesal filling for a midday snack.

Storage of leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to a container with a lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Heat pot to 165F, adding more water or beef broth to loosen consistency if needed. Or microwave in 2 to 3 minute intervals until heated through.