Beef and Vegetable Cocido Recipe for Hearty Homemade Meals

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of beef and vegetable cocido. This traditional Spanish stew is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients simmered to perfection, creating layers of rich flavors and tender textures.

Whether you’re seeking a fulfilling family dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends, cocido offers a rustic charm and nourishing goodness that’s hard to beat. The combination of succulent beef cuts and a medley of fresh vegetables cooked slowly in a savory broth not only delights your palate but also warms your soul during chilly days.

In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through every step to make an authentic cocido that’s bursting with flavor and packed with nutrition. From selecting the right cuts of meat to choosing complementary vegetables, we’ll explore how to create this timeless dish with ease.

Plus, I’ll share tips and variations to customize your cocido, ensuring it fits your taste perfectly. Ready to dive into this culinary journey?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and vegetable cocido recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly nourishing, combining the protein power of beef with the vitamins and fiber from a variety of vegetables.

The long, slow simmering process melds flavors beautifully, resulting in a rich, comforting stew that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Additionally, this recipe is versatile—you can use whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand or substitute beef cuts to suit your budget and preferences. It also makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Plus, it’s a great way to introduce classic Spanish flavors into your home cooking repertoire.

If you enjoy wholesome, slow-cooked meals like this, you might also love exploring some delightful vegetarian options such as A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or hearty Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast or beef shank, cut into large chunks
• 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges
• 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but adds depth)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 cups beef broth or water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (at least 6 quarts)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Colander or strainer (for chickpeas)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowl (for soaking chickpeas)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chickpeas: Soak the chickpeas in plenty of cold water overnight (at least 8 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Pat the beef chunks dry and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 3-4 minutes per side, until a rich crust forms. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. In the same pot, add the onion quarters and smashed garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant and slightly softened, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add liquids and spices: Return the beef to the pot along with the soaked chickpeas, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and beef broth (or water). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
5. Simmer the stew: Let the cocido simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef and chickpeas are tender. Stir occasionally and skim any foam or fat from the surface.
6. Add vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomato to the pot. Continue simmering for another 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through and tender.
7. Finish with cabbage: Add the cabbage wedges during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Season the stew with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8. Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let the cocido rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even further.

Tips & Variations

For a richer broth, consider adding a ham bone or smoked ham hock along with the beef.

If you’re short on time, use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones, adding them in with the vegetables to heat through.

Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables such as turnips, parsnips, or green beans depending on the season and your preferences.

For a spicy kick, experiment with adding a pinch of chili powder—check out this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a great DIY option.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Beef and vegetable cocido is best served warm, ladled into bowls with some of the tender meat, vegetables, and broth. This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful juices.

For a fresh contrast, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon. If you enjoy Spanish cuisine, a glass of dry red wine complements the deep flavors of the cocido wonderfully.

Looking for more hearty meal ideas? Explore our collection of Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals or try the Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals for a delightful plant-based twist.

Conclusion

Making a traditional beef and vegetable cocido at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your table with wholesome goodness. This recipe’s slow simmering method ensures tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables, all bathing in a flavorful broth that’s rich yet balanced.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, cocido offers a comforting and nourishing meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

Embrace the versatility of this dish by customizing it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings, and enjoy the hearty satisfaction it brings on any day. And if you’re curious about exploring more recipes that celebrate wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, be sure to check out our extensive recipe collections linked throughout this post.

Happy cooking and buen provecho!

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