How to Make Cazuela de Vaca (Beef and Pumpkin Stew) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Cazuela de Vaca, also known as Beef and Pumpkin Stew, is a traditional Chilean dish that combines the rich, hearty flavors of beef with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin. This comforting and nourishing stew is perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or for feeding a hungry crowd. The combination of tender beef, savory spices, and creamy pumpkin creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Chilean households, with each f...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds beef roast
  • 1 (32 ounce) carton beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ cup polenta (coarse or fine)
  • 8 red potatoes, cut in half
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 ½ pounds slice of pumpkin (calabaza)
  • 2 ears corn, cut into thirds
  • 1 carrot, cut into 1/2 inch slices
  • 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 stalk celery, cut into chunks
  • 1 leek, split in half, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon mild paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves (lightly packed)

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Cut the piece of beef into 6 large chunks (one per serving). Place the beef into a large saucepan; pour in the beef broth and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer until nearly tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Stir the polenta into the stew along with the potatoes and onion. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Cut the pumpkin into 6, serving-sized pieces, and add to the stew along with the corn, carrot, bell pepper, celery, and leek; simmer until the vegetables are tender, adding more water if needed to barely cover. Stir in the oregano and paprika during the last 5 minutes.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into serving bowls, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
  • Nutrition

    314 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 48mg
    • Sodium: 161mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 35g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 7g
    • Protein: 22g
    • Vitamin C: 41mg
    • Calcium: 80mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 1148mg