A hearty beef stew that will warm you to the bones!
Who can resist a comforting beef stew? Tender beef that melts in your mouth, hearty starchy vegetables and a flavorful deep sauce that makes you want to lick the plate clean. This version, born and raised in Brazil, uses short ribs and yuca, making it a rich dish that will warm and sooth your soul even on the coldest days. And if you’ve never cooked with yuca root, don’t worry! I’ll teach you all you need to know about buying, preparing and cooking it. In Brazil, this recipe is often made in a pressure cooker, but my version uses a Dutch oven instead. I find that nothing beats a stew simmering on the stove all day, filling your home with the most amazing smells. However, if time is an issue, you can easily adapt it to the Instant Pot or slow cooker.
What is Vaca Atolada?
This dish, typical from the state of Minas Gerais (Southeast of Brazil), is a beef stew made with beef ribs and yuca. The name Vaca Atolada translates to “Cow Stuck in the Mud”. The funny name has a few popular explanations. The most believed one says that the dish originated in the XVII century, when the explorers – known as bandeirantes – started the expeditions to search for gold in Minas Gerais. To survive the journey, they would carry meat immerse in fat in a saddlebag, so the food would be preserved. During that time, thunderstorms were common, so the cattle would often get stuck in the mud. When that happened, it was time for a pause and for a hearty beef stew. Another version believes that the explanation of the name is in the dish itself. The “cow” would be the pieces of beef and the “mud” the thick sauce.
Ingredients to make Short Rib Stew with Yuca
Here’s what you’ll need to make Vaca Atolada:
Short ribs – I buy boneless, but you can use bone-in as well! Yuca root Onion Garlic Parsley Tomatoes – I use fresh tomatoes, but canned crushed tomatoes would work too. Tomato Paste Red Wine – The alcohol will mostly cook off, but you can omit. Beef Broth Flour – to thicken. Omit or use gluten free options, if necessary. Bay leaves Salt Pepper Olive oil
What is yuca?
Yuca (pronounced joo-kah), also known as cassava or manioc, is a potato-like starchy tubular root, very popular in Latin cuisine. It is the root used to make tapioca flour and pearls, after it is dried and powdered. The long brown root has a thick, bark-like skin and white flesh. It averages between 6 to 12 inches long and 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Here in the United States, you will often find it covered in wax to help preserve it during its long journey.
Where do I buy it?
Yuca can be found at the produce section of most grocery stores. If you can’t find it at your supermarket, try a Latin or Asian store. Or search the frozen aisle for the Goya brand, as they sell it already peeled and cut. When buying fresh, make sure there are no mold or cracks. The flesh should be firm and white throughout, so if you see black specks, lines or blemishes (you might have to break up the end of the root to see) that run throughout the whole root, leave it behind as that yuca is no good! If the discoloration is restricted to only one or a few parts, you can cut it off.
How to peel and cut yuca
Peeling yuca can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! All you need is a sharp chef’s knife and a cutting board.
Start by cutting off the ends of the root and slicing it into smaller segments (about 2 to 3 inches). Stand each piece up on its flat end and, using a sharp knife, cut away the skin vertically until it has been peeled off. Keep rotating and slicing away the skin until it is completely peeled. Slice the peeled cassava root in half lengthwise to expose the woody core. Then, cut the piece lengthwise again, so that the yuca is now quartered into sticks with the core exposed. Since the core is not tasty and has a woody texture, I recommend cutting it off. Stand each long stick up and use your knife to slice the inner corner off. Your cassava is ready to be cooked!
How do I cook cassava?
Yuca can be cooked the same way that you would potatoes. You can boil, sauce, fry or roast it. Here, we add them during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking time, and let it simmer in the stew until very tender.
Can I prep yuca ahead of time?
Yes! You can peel and cut the cassava and then store it in the fridge, covered in water, for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
How to make Short Rib Stew with Yuca
Despite the long cooking time, making this short rib beef stew is easy. Here’s how to do it:
How to serve short rib beef stew
This stew pairs great with:
White or brown rice A crusty baguette or sourdough Dinner rolls A green salad Rice pilaf Buttered noodles A classic Brazilian combo: rice, beans (or tutu de feijão) and garlicky collard greens.
Can I make beef stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it, as beef stew is the perfect make-ahead dish and the flavors will improve with an overnight rest in the fridge. Just make sure to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container, up to 3 days. You can then reheat it on the stovetop before serving!
Freezing short rib stew
I find that yuca, like potatoes, become grainy when frozen and thawed. So if you plan on freezing this stew, skip the yuca and add it later, when reheating. Or, if you’re freezing leftovers, remove the yuca before freezing. You can add freshly cooked yuca when ready to eat. Beef stew can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
More hearty stews
Classic Beef StewFlemish Beef Stew with Caramelized Onions and Spelt BerriesPorkolt (Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew)Brazilian Chicken Stew with White BeansMoqueca Baiana (Fish and Shrimp Stew)Carbonnade Flamande (Beef and Beer Stew)
SHORT RIBS - I like to use boneless for this stew, but you can use bone-in if you prefer. Just up the amount to 3 pounds instead. RED WINE - The wine adds depth of flavors to the sauce. Any full-bodied red will work! It will mostly cook off, but if you are concerned, you can omit it. MAKE AHEAD - As any beef stew, this short rib stew tastes even better after some time in the fridge. After it has cooled to room temperature, you can store it in an airtight container and refrigerate until the next day, or up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat it on the stovetop! FREEZING - If freezing, remove the yuca as its texture will change considerably if frozen and thawed. You can add cooked yuca when reheating. INSTANT POT/SLOW COOKER - This recipe can be converted to a pressure cooker or slow cooker. Just make sure to brown the beef before cooking. SERVING SUGGESTIONS - This stew goes great with rice, buttered noodles and/or crusty bread. For a typical Brazilian meal, you can serve with rice, beans and collard greens.
Chef's Knife Dutch Oven Wooden Spoon
