Guiso Carretero Paraguayo (Prairie Beef, Rice & Squash One-Pot Braise) – Authentic Paraguay Recipe

Ingredients for Guiso Carretero Paraguayo (Prairie Beef, Rice & Squash One-Pot Braise) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) cubed beef sirloin, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups medium-grain rice or noodles, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup cubed kabocha squash
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with sweet paprika
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Paraguay seasoning (cumin, oregano, garlic, parsley)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown cubed beef sirloin for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, sweet paprika, and cumin, oregano, garlic, parsley, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add medium-grain rice or noodles and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in cubed kabocha squash right before serving warm.