Name: Family-Style Beef Afritada with Potatoes and Carrots
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds; 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional); 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can, 14 oz, diced tomatoes); 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended); 1 cup beef broth or water; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and warmth); Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

This Family-Style Beef Afritada with Potatoes and Carrots is a hearty, Filipino-inspired breakfast dish. Tender beef simmers in a vibrant tomato sauce with wholesome potatoes and carrots, delivering comfort and nutrition. Packed with flavor and veggies, it’s a balanced, satisfying start to your day that the whole family will adore.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Sear the Beef: Browning the beef locks in juices and adds depth to the flavor—don’t skip this step!
Cut Evenly: Chop potatoes and carrots into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Low and Slow: Simmer gently to tenderize the beef without overcooking the veggies.
Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and pepper near the end for perfect seasoning.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine waking up to the aroma of tender beef simmering in a rich, tomato-based sauce, mingling with the earthy sweetness of potatoes and carrots. This Family-Style Beef Afritada isn’t just a meal—it’s a hug on a plate! You’ll love how it transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, nutrient-packed breakfast that fuels your day. It’s versatile enough to please picky eaters and hearty enough to keep everyone full until lunch. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak veggies into your morning routine without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and a taste of Filipino tradition to your table.

Yield: Serves 8

Family-Style Beef Afritada with Potatoes and Carrots

A savory Filipino beef stew with potatoes and carrots, perfect for a healthy, family-friendly breakfast.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
4 ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can, 14 oz, diced tomatoes)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
1 cup beef broth or water
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (for color and warmth)
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Hey there, let’s whip up something delicious together! Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat—get it nice and shimmery. Toss in your beef stew meat, spreading it out so it browns evenly. Give it a good sear for about 5-7 minutes, flipping the pieces until they’re golden and irresistible. That crust? Pure flavor magic!
Next, scoot the beef to one side and add your chopped onion. Let it sizzle for 2-3 minutes until it softens and smells amazing, then stir in the minced garlic for another minute—your kitchen’s about to smell like heaven. Now, pour in the diced tomatoes (juice and all if using canned) and give everything a good stir. The tomatoes will start breaking down into a luscious sauce.
Time to add the stars of the show: toss in your cubed potatoes and carrot rounds, plus the optional bell pepper if you’re feeling fancy. Pour in the beef broth or water, then season with soy sauce, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for that cozy warmth. Stir it all together, bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it bubble away for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beef should be fork-tender, and the veggies soft but not mushy—perfect harmony!
Once it’s done, taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Let it rest for 5 minutes to soak up all those flavors, then sprinkle some fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color. Serve it hot, maybe with a side of whole-grain toast or rice if you’re extra hungry. Dig in and enjoy—this is comfort food at its finest!

Notes

For a thicker sauce, mash a few potato pieces into the broth near the end.
If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash more broth or water during cooking.
This dish tastes even better the next day, so don’t shy away from leftovers!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 363Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 112mgSodium 696mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 4gSugar 5gProtein 41g

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 Stew Meat: Opt for chuck or brisket cuts—they’re affordable, flavorful, and become melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked. Grass-fed beef adds a nutritional boost.
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are ideal for a bright sauce, but canned diced tomatoes work in a pinch for convenience.
Potatoes: Yukon Golds hold their shape well, but red potatoes add a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the beef.
Carrots: These bring natural sweetness and a dose of beta-carotene—choose firm, bright ones for the best texture.
Bell Peppers: Red or green add color and a slight crunch; they’re optional but elevate the dish.
Garlic and Onion: The flavor foundation—fresh is best for that aromatic kick.
Olive Oil: A healthier fat for sautéing; swap with avocado oil if preferred.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth; use low-sodium to control saltiness.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? This recipe is endlessly adaptable! For a lighter version, swap beef with lean chicken breast or turkey—perfect if you’re watching calories. If you’re vegetarian, try hearty mushrooms or tofu cubes for a plant-based twist; they soak up the sauce beautifully. Can’t find fresh tomatoes? Canned crushed tomatoes or even a spoonful of tomato paste will do the trick. Add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or a chopped chili if you’re feeling adventurous. For extra veggies, toss in peas, green beans, or zucchini near the end of cooking. Gluten-free? Skip the soy sauce and use tamari or coconut aminos instead. The possibilities are endless!

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier!
Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.