Carbonada Criolla

Authentic Argentinian Carbonada Criolla — a delicious beef dish with 9 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

120

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

450

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Carbonada Criolla

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 500 g Beef
  • 1 chopped Onion
  • 2 chopped Carrots
  • 2 chopped Potatoes
  • 1 small Pumpkin
  • 100 g Dried Apricots
  • 2 Litres Beef Stock
  • To taste Salt
  • To taste Pepper

Instructions

6 steps · ~82 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Brown the Beef: In a large pot, brown the beef cubes. Remove and set aside.

    5 minutes
    Don't overcrowd the pan — cook in batches for a better sear.
  2. Step 2

    Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, cook the onion until translucent. Add carrots, potatoes, and pumpkin, cooking for a few minutes.

    8 minutes
    Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.
  3. Step 3

    Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Add broth and dried apricots. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 1-2 hours, until the beef is tender.

    60 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  4. Step 4

    Serve: Enjoy hot, with a crusty piece of bread.

    2 minutes
    Warm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.
  5. Step 5

    Brown the beef in batches to ensure it gets a good sear, which adds depth to the stew's flavor.

    5 minutes
    Don't overcrowd the pan — cook in batches for a better sear.
  6. Step 6

    Adding the fruits towards the end of cooking preserves their texture and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.

    2 minutes
    Warm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Argentinian recipe for Carbonada Criolla is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Argentinean cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your argentinean meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Carbonada Criolla is a beloved dish from Argentinean cuisine, originating in Argentina. With a total preparation time of about 135 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

Argentinean cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 9 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Carbonada Criolla, it's best to use cuts of beef that are well-marbled and tender, such as chuck roast or brisket, which will become flavorful and tender during the slow cooking process.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories450kcal
Total Fat20g
Sodium695mg
Total Carbohydrates50g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein54g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CategoryDinner
CountryArgentina