Low Sodium Carne de Panela

Savor the rich, satisfying flavors of Low Sodium Carne de Panela—a healthier twist on the classic Brazilian comfort food. This slow-cooked beef stew features tender chunks of seared beef chuck roast simmered with an aromatic blend of garlic, onion, and low sodium beef broth. Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and red bell peppers add layers of natural sweetness, while warm spices such as cumin and paprika deliver depth without the need for added salt. Perfect for those seeking a heart-healthy option, this dish is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with complex flavors. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served over fluffy rice or alongside warm tortillas, this satisfying meal brings wholesome, low-sodium dining to your table. Healthy comfort food never tasted so good!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups low sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stick, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into large cubes, about 2-inch pieces.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding; sear until brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef pieces to a slow cooker.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, making sure to coat the onion and garlic evenly.

Step 5

Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

Step 6

Add the chopped carrot, celery, and red bell pepper to the slow cooker. These vegetables will add depth and a natural sweetness to the dish.

Step 7

Pour the low sodium beef broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the beef and vegetables are covered.

Step 8

Add the bay leaf, ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper to the slow cooker, gently stirring to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 9

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the beef to cook for about 6 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Step 10

Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more black pepper if needed, but avoid adding salt to keep it low sodium.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 12

Serve the Low Sodium Carne de Panela over steamed rice or with a side of warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2025.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2798.7

Total Fat 212.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 680.4mg	0%
Sodium 1031.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 55.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.8g	0%
Total Sugars 26.1g
Protein 175.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 311.2mg	0%
Iron 29.1mg	0%
Potassium 4609.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.4%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 7.8%