Bifes a la Criolla Recipe: Hearty Beef and Potato Stew 2026

Bifes a la criolla is a beloved one-pot dish from Argentine home cooking: tender beef, potatoes, and peppers simmered together in a rich homemade tomato sauce. It's the kind of everyday meal that only gets better as it sits, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The dish comes together in a single pot, so cleanup is minimal and the flavors meld beautifully. Serve it with white rice, crusty bread, or enjoy it on its own as a complete main course.

This recipe is a staple of Argentine home cooking, known for its simplicity and how well it keeps. It's a comforting, hearty meal that's easy to make any day of the week.

Ingredients for Bifes a la Criolla

This recipe makes 2 servings.

• 2 potatoes
• 1 large onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 300 g beef steaks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 300 ml crushed tomato
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 200 ml beef broth

How to Make Bifes a la Criolla Step by Step

1. Prepare the vegetables

Peel 2 potatoes and cut them into slices about half a centimeter thick. Also cut 1 large onion into julienne strips, 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper into strips, and mince 2 garlic cloves.

2. Sear the beef

Season 300 g of beef steaks cut into medium pieces with salt and pepper. In a pot or casserole, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and quickly sear the meat over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, peppers, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes over medium heat until they begin to soften.

4. Add potatoes and tomato

Add the potato slices, 300 ml of crushed tomato, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1 bay leaf. Mix well to integrate the flavors.

5. Return the beef

Add the seared beef back into the pot, nestling it among the vegetables and sauce.

6. Simmer

Pour in 200 ml of beef broth and bring to a boil. Then cover the pot, lower the heat, and cook over medium-low heat for about 35-40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the meat is fully cooked and juicy. Check occasionally in case you need to add a little more liquid.

7. Rest and serve

Let the bifes a la criolla rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Bifes a la Criolla

Choose the right cut of beef

Use a tender cut like sirloin or tenderloin for quick searing, or a tougher cut like chuck if you plan to simmer longer. The beef should be cut into medium pieces so it cooks evenly.

Adjust the liquid as needed

During simmering, check the pot occasionally. If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash more broth to keep the potatoes and meat from sticking.

Let it rest before serving

Resting allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve with white rice, crusty bread, or on its own as a hearty main.

30 Go-To Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

If you're anything like me, your kitchen rotation probably includes a little bit of everything—cozy comfort classics, tried-and-true dishes from around the globe, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent treat is calling my name, I'll reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this sophisticated Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luscious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And on days when I want something fruity and cozy, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my reliable pick.

Come breakfast time or when I'm after a lighter bite, I'll whip up these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple I can keep on hand, this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe does the trick.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean-inspired spreads, I'll bounce between this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, golden Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, velvety Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cool Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. And when the occasion calls for something a touch fancier, this elegant Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is a favorite of mine to serve.

Hearty midday meals and slow, cozy suppers are where these shine: the warming Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, time-honored Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, deeply savory Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and silky Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. Craving something even more substantial? I'll bake up this hearty Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a homey Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultimate comfort plate, this French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

When street-food cravings hit or I'm feeding a crowd, out come this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crunchy Salchipapas recipe, boldly seasoned Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These fuss-free Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also make a great little appetizer or snack.

And when I'm mixing drinks and planning a whole spread for company, dinner often gets paired with a cool Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To tie the whole meal together, I like setting out this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side, or finishing the table with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of cooking, testing, and tweaking in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the finest dishes are built on three things: simplicity, dependable technique, and serious flavor.

These are the recipes I find myself making over and over—whether it's a fast solo meal or a festive spread for loved ones.

On the sweet side, the rich, velvety Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something that feels fancy yet comes together easily. Another dessert I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled after the beloved Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture really helps, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

For something light and effortless, I'll typically make the traditional Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. When I want a heartier comfort dish, I'm quick to suggest the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the speedy weeknight winner, this One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I'm also a big fan of sharing dishes rooted in tradition from all over the world, like the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crisp Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and Spain's classic Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is another category I turn to often, since it delivers great texture without eating up time. My regular lineup includes the Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be indulgent, cheesy, and completely satisfying without any gluten.

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