Brazilian
👍 Beginner Friendly
40 mineasy
BrazilianDinner
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsArroz de Carreteiro is a beloved traditional dish from Southern Brazil, particularly Rio Grande do Sul, where gauchos (Brazilian cowboys) would prepare this meal over open fires. Originally made with charque (dried beef), this modern version uses fresh beef for convenience while maintaining authentic flavors. The dish combines perfectly seasoned rice with tender beef pieces, tomatoes, garlic, and onions, creating a complete meal in one pot. The secret lies in toasting the rice before adding liquid, which gives it a nutty flavor and prevents mushiness. This technique, combined with slow simmering, allows the rice to absorb all the rich beef juices and seasonings. The result is a satisfying, flavorful dish that embodies the spirit of Brazilian countryside cooking. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, Arroz de Carreteiro represents comfort food at its finest, bringing together simple ingredients to create something truly memorable.
Instructions
step by step0/13 done
Cut the beef steak into small cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine.
Return the beef to the pot along with bay leaves, cumin, and paprika. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Add the white rice and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to toast the grains lightly.
Pour in 3 cups of hot water or beef broth. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Check occasionally and add more water if needed, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes.
Remove bay leaves, fluff with a fork, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Arroz de Carreteiro
5.0 (39)
A hearty Brazilian rice dish from the gaucho tradition, combining tender beef, fluffy rice, and aromatic seasonings. This rustic one-pot meal delivers bold flavors and satisfying comfort in every bite.
medium
1h 5m
6 servings
Ingredients
0 of 13 checked
Main Ingredients
- 600 grams beef-steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups rice-white, uncooked
Aromatics
- 1 pieces onions, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 2 pieces tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato-paste
Cooking Base
- 3 tablespoons olive-oil
Seasonings
- 2 pieces bay-leaves, whole
- 1 teaspoons cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
Garnish
- 3 tablespoons parsley, fresh, chopped
Chef Tips
expert advice•For authentic flavor, use beef with some fat content as it adds richness to the dish.
•You can substitute beef with charque (dried beef) by soaking it overnight and shredding it before cooking.
•If using charque, reduce the added salt significantly.
•Add diced bell peppers for extra color and sweetness.
•Some regional variations include adding peas or corn in the final minutes of cooking.
•For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers with the garlic.
•The key to perfect Arroz de Carreteiro is maintaining the right liquid ratio - the rice should be moist but not soupy.
•If you prefer a more separated grain texture, use less water and fluff frequently.
•This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
•Serve with a simple green salad and farofa (toasted cassava flour) for an authentic Brazilian experience.
