Portuguese Beef and Onions Bifes De Cebolada

Savor the comforting flavors of Portugal with this traditional Portuguese Beef and Onions (Bifes de Cebolada) recipe. Tender beef steaks are seared to perfection, then simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce made with sweet golden onions, garlic, smoky paprika, and a splash of white wine. The addition of bay leaves and tomato paste enhances the depth of flavor, making every bite irresistible. This one-pan dish is easy to prepare yet deeply satisfying, perfect for serving over fluffy rice, boiled potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this hearty, homestyle recipe is your ticket to a comforting Portuguese feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams beef steaks (sirloin or rump)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 medium onions
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 125 milliliters white wine
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the beef steaks with half the salt and black pepper on both sides. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2

Peel the onions and slice them into thin rings. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the beef steaks in batches, searing them for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly golden.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic, paprika, and bay leaves to the onions. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 8

Stir in the tomato paste, remaining salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the onions evenly with the sauce.

Step 9

Return the seared steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the onion mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the dish simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaves, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if using) and serve hot with rice, boiled potatoes, or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1034.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2010.5

Total Fat 132.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 400mg	0%
Sodium 2667.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 43.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.0g	0%
Total Sugars 17.6g
Protein 130.5g	0%

Vitamin D 35IU	0%
Calcium 165.6mg	0%
Iron 15.9mg	0%
Potassium 2449.3mg	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: 63.3%

Protein: 27.6%

Carbs: 9.1%