Cazuela Recipe

Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes  

   Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cazuela Ingredients

Cazuela Instructions

  1. Pat the beef short ribs (or chicken thighs) dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meat in batches and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned meat to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pot, add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and ground cumin, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Return the browned meat to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Pour in the beef or chicken stock and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  6. Cover the pot partially with a lid and simmer the broth and meat for 45 minutes (for chicken) or 1.5 hours (for beef short ribs), until the meat is tender but not falling apart.
  7. Add the thick rounds of carrots, quartered potatoes, large chunks of butternut squash, and corn pieces to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  8. Add the diced red bell pepper, trimmed and halved green beans, and rinsed long-grain rice. Stir gently to combine and continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes, until all vegetables and rice are tender.
  9. Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  10. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the cazuela into large bowls, ensuring each serving has a piece of meat, corn, and a variety of vegetables. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup just before eating.

Estimated Calories: 350, Servings: 6

Recommended Dishes

Healthy Cazuela Tips

Let's talk about making your favorite Chilean Cazuela recipe healthier-because nothing says "I love you" like a homemade soup that won't send your cholesterol through the roof. You want the best, easy, and quick tips for a delicious, authentic, and healthy version? First, swap out fatty cuts of meat for lean chicken breast or turkey. Trust me, your arteries will thank you, and you'll still get that tasty, homemade flavor. Load up on veggies-think carrots, pumpkin, and green beans-because the more colors in your bowl, the more your health wins. And if you're feeling wild, ditch the white potatoes for sweet potatoes or quinoa. It's the perfect way to sneak in extra nutrients without anyone noticing-except maybe your mother-in-law, who'll ask for your secret ingredients.
Now, let's talk about salt. The best Cazuela recipe doesn't need to taste like the Pacific Ocean. Go easy on the sodium and let those fresh, simple ingredients shine. Use herbs and spices for that authentic, delicious kick-your taste buds and blood pressure will both be doing a happy dance. And if you're wondering how to make your Cazuela even healthier, try skimming off any fat that floats to the top. It's like giving your soup a spa day. Remember, the goal is a tasty, quick, and easy meal that's perfect for your health, not a heart attack in a bowl. So, next time you're whipping up this classic, just think: "How can I make this recipe the best for my health?"-and then laugh at how you're basically a Chilean grandma with a Fitbit.

Cazuela Pairings

Let us talk about flavors, because if you have ever tasted Chilean food, you know they do not mess around. The best thing about Chilean flavors is that they are like a surprise party for your mouth. You think you are just getting a simple taste, and then-bam!-there is a parade of herbs, a confetti of spices, and a marching band of vegetables. It is like your taste buds are at a festival, and everyone is invited. I mean, who knew that something could be so healthy and still taste so good? I have had salads that were less nutritious and way less fun. If you want a quick way to impress your friends, just say, "I made a Chilean recipe." They will think you are a world traveler, even if you just Googled it five minutes ago.
Now, let us get into sides, because every great dish deserves a wingman. You know what is a good side for a Chilean meal? Pebre. It is like salsa's cool cousin who studied abroad and came back with stories. Pebre is so easy and fast to make, you could probably whip it up during a commercial break. And bread-oh, the bread! Chileans have this pan amasado that is basically the best excuse to eat carbs. I mean, if you are going to eat something delicious, you might as well have something to mop up the leftovers, right? Bread is the original "clean plate club" membership card. Forget about fancy sides, just give me a loaf and some pebre, and I am living my best life.
Let us not forget about drinks, because what is a meal without something to wash it down? Chileans know how to party, and their drinks are proof. If you want to keep it healthy, there is always a good herbal tea, but let us be honest, sometimes you need something a little stronger. Enter the pisco sour, the best way to make any dinner feel like a celebration. It is so easy and quick to make, you will wonder why you ever bothered with complicated cocktails. And if you are not into alcohol, try a mote con huesillo. It is a non-alcoholic drink that is basically dessert in a glass. I mean, who decided drinks could be this delicious? Chileans, that is who. Cheers to them for making every meal a reason to raise a glass!

Cazuela Quick Mistake Fixes

You ever notice how some people think the best way to show love is by dumping half the salt shaker into a pot? Like, "Here, I made you a delicious, healthy meal, and also, congratulations, your blood pressure is now a quick trip to the moon." Seriously, if your cazuela tastes like you licked a salt lamp, maybe it's time to ease up. I want a good meal, not a sodium challenge. The only thing that should be preserved in salt is a fish, not my taste buds. Next time, let's keep it easy on the salt, unless the recipe is for a salt lick for horses.
Now, let's talk about soggy vegetables. You ever bite into a potato that's been in the pot so long it's basically a memory? That's not dinner, that's a science experiment. I want my veggies to have a little life left in them, not to be so soft they're applying for retirement. The best cazuela has vegetables that are still holding it together, not ones that have given up on their dreams. If I wanted soup with a side of mush, I'd just eat baby food. Let's keep it quick and get those veggies out before they start dissolving into the broth.
And then there's the appearance. You ever serve up a bowl and it looks like a Jackson Pollock painting, but not in a good way? I mean, I want my food to look great, not like it lost a fight with a blender. Presentation matters, people! If your cazuela looks like it was assembled during a blackout, maybe take a second to arrange things. A little garnish, a little color, and suddenly it's not just food, it's art. Because nothing says "I care" like a meal that looks as delicious as it tastes, and not like a quick accident in the kitchen.

About Cazuela Recipe

If you're searching for the best homemade comfort food, look no further than this delicious Cazuela recipe! This authentic dish is a staple in many homes, and for good reason-it's easy, quick, and packed with tasty flavors. The secret to the perfect Cazuela lies in its simple ingredients: tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth that brings everything together. If you've ever wondered how to make a truly authentic version, you're in the right place. With just a few tips, you'll have a homemade meal that's both satisfying and impressive.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you're a fan of chicken, beef, or even vegetarian options, you can adapt the ingredients to suit your taste. The key is to use fresh, high-quality vegetables and let them simmer until they're perfectly tender. If you're in a hurry, don't worry-this quick and simple recipe doesn't sacrifice flavor for speed. In fact, the combination of tasty broth and hearty ingredients makes every spoonful a delight. For those who love to experiment, try adding a few extra spices or herbs for an even more delicious twist.
If you're still wondering how to make the best Cazuela, just remember these tips: use the freshest ingredients, don't rush the simmering process, and taste as you go. This recipe is all about bringing people together, so don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this authentic and homemade dish is sure to impress. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a tasty, comforting meal that's as easy as it is delicious!

Cazuela Story

You know, when I was a kid, I thought this dish was just a cruel joke adults played on us. I would look at it and think, "Is this the best you could do? Did you run out of ideas or just run out of groceries?" My mom would say, "It is good for you," which is what every parent says when they want you to eat something you would rather use as a science experiment. I was convinced the recipe was invented by someone who lost a bet. I would sit at the table, poking at it, hoping it would magically turn into pizza. Spoiler alert: it never did.
Fast forward a few years, and suddenly I am an adult, which means I am now responsible for feeding myself. I quickly realized that my culinary skills were limited to making toast and boiling water, and even that was a gamble. So, I called my mom and asked for something easy and quick. She gave me the recipe for this dish, and I thought, "Great, now I am the one losing bets." But you know what? It was actually delicious. I could not believe it. Either my taste buds matured, or I just got tired of eating instant noodles. Maybe both.
Now, I am that person who raves about how healthy and comforting this dish is. I have become the evangelist at dinner parties, telling everyone, "You have not lived until you have tried this." I even brag about how it is the best thing to make when you want something good but do not want to spend all day in the kitchen. It is funny how things change. The dish I once dreaded is now my go to for a great, home cooked meal. I guess the real recipe for appreciation is just a little time and a lot of hunger.