Beef Afritada is a hearty Filipino stew with tender beef, potatoes, and bell peppers in a savory tomato sauce. This healthy breakfast version offers protein and veggies—perfect over rice or as a standalone bowl, starting your day with Filipino warmth and nourishing comfort.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Beef Browning: Sear beef cubes well—locks in flavor; don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Potato Prep: Cut potatoes evenly—cooks consistently; fry lightly for texture if time allows.
- Sauce Balance: Simmer low and slow—deepens flavor; add broth if it thickens too much.
- Pepper Timing: Add bell peppers last—keeps them crisp; enhances color and crunch.
- Breakfast Hack: Serve with a grain like quinoa—boosts fiber; top with a fried egg for richness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore this Beef Afritada—it’s a hearty Filipino stew turned into a healthy breakfast idea that’ll warm your soul and fuel your day! Imagine tender beef simmering in a vibrant tomato sauce, mingling with golden potatoes and colorful bell peppers, all coming together in a comforting bowl that’s as satisfying as it is good for you. You’ll love how this recipe takes the beloved Filipino afritada and reimagines it for breakfast, delivering a protein-packed, veggie-rich start that keeps you energized without feeling heavy. The beef melts into succulent bites after a gentle cook, the potatoes soak up that tangy sauce, and the bell peppers add a fresh, crisp pop that makes every spoonful a delight. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something substantial yet wholesome, whether you’re rushing out the door or savoring a slow, cozy start. The rich tomato base ties it all together with a savory hug, bringing that Filipino home-cooked vibe to your table in a way that’s both nourishing and delicious. Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for extra heartiness, maybe with a fried egg on top for that golden yolk goodness, and watch it transform your morning into a flavorful adventure. It’s so easy to make, turning simple ingredients into a breakfast so tasty you’ll be amazed it’s this healthy and comforting. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a Beef Afritada experience that’ll have you savoring every hearty, tangy bite and feeling ready to tackle your day with a smile!
Beef Afritada A Hearty Filipino Stew
Tender beef with potatoes and peppers in tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (stewing cut like chuck), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup tomato sauce (low-sodium)
- 1 medium carrot, sliced into ½-inch rounds (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Hey there, let’s whip up this Beef Afritada—it’s going to be a hearty, healthy breakfast treat straight from the Philippines! Grab a large skillet or pot and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat—let it shimmer just a bit. Toss in those beef cubes—give them a good stir to coat in the oil, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re nicely browned on all sides. You’re locking in that juicy flavor, so don’t rush it! Scoop the beef out with a slotted spoon and set it aside for a moment.
- In the same pan, drizzle in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then add your minced garlic and diced onion—sauté them for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and fills the kitchen with that sweet, savory smell. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to mix everything into a rich, red base—look at that gorgeous hue! Add the soy sauce if you’re using it—it’s a little Filipino secret for extra umami. Toss the browned beef back in, along with the cubed potatoes and carrot slices if you’ve got them—give it all a good stir, then bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and let it bubble away for 40-45 minutes—check occasionally to make sure the beef’s getting tender and the potatoes are softening but not mushy. If it thickens too much, splash in a little more broth—keep it nice and saucy!
- When the beef’s fork-tender and the potatoes are just right, toss in the red and green bell peppers—stir them in and cook for another 3-5 minutes. You want those peppers to stay crisp and colorful, adding that fresh crunch to every bite. Give it a taste—season with a pinch of salt or pepper if it needs a lift, but that sauce should already be singing with flavor! Serve this beauty hot—spoon it over a bed of steamed quinoa or brown rice for a hearty breakfast bowl, or enjoy it solo if you’re keeping it light. Want an extra morning boost? Top it with a fried egg—the yolk dripping into the stew is pure bliss!
- Grab a spoon and dig in—this Beef Afritada is all yours! The tender beef, hearty potatoes, and bright peppers in that tangy tomato sauce make every bite a healthy, flavorful wake-up call. Enjoy it fresh off the stove—it’s the perfect way to start your day with a Filipino hug!
Notes
- Brown beef well—keeps it juicy and flavorful!
- Add peppers late—preserves their crunch and color.
- Freeze without toppings—reheats like a dream!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 488Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 99mgSodium 707mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 4gSugar 7gProtein 35g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Beef: (1 lb, stewing cut like chuck)—tender when slow-cooked; lean for health; cube into 1-inch pieces.
- Potatoes: (2 medium)—starchy and filling; Yukon Gold or red hold shape; peel or keep skin for fiber.
- Bell Peppers: (1 red, 1 green)—vibrant and crunchy; red for sweetness, green for bite; chop into 1-inch pieces.
- Tomato Sauce: (1 cup)—rich, savory base; low-sodium for health; fresh tomatoes (blend 3-4) work too.
- Carrots: (1 medium, optional)—sweet and nutritious; sliced into ½-inch rounds; adds color.
- Garlic: (3 cloves)—aromatic depth; mince fine for even flavor; fresh is best.
- Onion: (1 medium)—sweetens as it cooks; yellow for balance; dice small.
- Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons)—healthy fat for sautéing; sub with avocado oil if preferred.
- Beef Broth: (1 cup, low-sodium)—enhances flavor; sub water for lighter taste; keeps it moist.
- Soy Sauce: (1 tablespoon, optional)—umami boost; low-sodium for health; adds Filipino flair.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use chicken or pork—chicken thighs for juiciness, pork shoulder for tenderness.
- Veggie Boost: Add peas or green beans—peas for sweetness, green beans for crunch; stir in at end.
- Grain Base: Serve over brown rice or oats—brown rice for fiber, oats for breakfast twist.
- Spice Kick: Add chili flakes or fresh chilies—amps up heat; adjust to taste.
- Low-Sodium Option: Skip soy sauce, use water and herbs—reduces salt; oregano or thyme enhance flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce—keeps it gluten-free; naturally gluten-free otherwise.
- Sweet Addition: Include pineapple chunks—tropical sweetness; balances savory notes.
- Creamy Touch: Stir in coconut milk—richer sauce; sub half the broth for creaminess.
- Nutty Finish: Top with crushed peanuts—extra crunch; nods to Filipino peanut stews.
- Mushroom Swap: Add mushrooms—earthy flavor; cremini or button work well.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days—reheat gently to keep beef tender.
- Freezer: Freeze base (without toppings) for up to 2 months—thaw overnight, reheat on stove.
- Make-Ahead: Prep beef and veggies night before—store separately; cook fresh in morning.
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