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Meat, Americas

Arroz carreteiro (Brazilian beef and rice)

Arroz carreteiro is a Brazilian dish of rice and ground beef simmered together with bacon, tomatoes, and bell pepper. Made for 4 people, it takes 45 minutes, rated easy, and costs about €3.00 per serving. The key to success is browning the meat well before the rice goes in.

Tonight, a cattle driver's dish from southern Brazil, arroz carreteiro, rice and beef simmered together in a single pot.

Arroz carreteiro (Brazilian beef and rice)
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€3.00
Calories per person
550 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Fall, Winter
The kids
They generally like it

Arroz carreteiro comes from southern Brazil, where cattle drivers once cooked their whole meal in a single pot over an open fire. The rice soaks up the meaty, tomatoey juices, the bacon adds a light smokiness, and the bell pepper keeps a bit of bite. The result is a hearty, colorful dish that feels comforting without being heavy.

This is the kind of recipe you reach for on a weeknight when you want one complete pot and nothing else to cook alongside it. Kids tend to like it because the rice mellows everything out, and leftovers are often even better the next day. One pan, minimal cleanup, and a dish that actually fills you up.

The ingredients

4 people

Butcher

  • Ground beef 400 g
  • Smoked bacon lardons 100 g

Pantry

  • Riceoften in the pantry 300 g
  • Chicken brothoften in the pantry 70 cl
  • Oiloften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onions 2
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Tomatoes 3
  • Red bell pepper 1
  • Parsley 4 sprigs

The step by step recipe

  1. Brown the bacon, then the ground beef, in a large skillet with the oil. 10 min

    Break up the meat well with your spoon so it browns in small, even pieces.

  2. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook for a few minutes. 6 min

    The vegetables just need to soften a bit, the rice will finish cooking them.

  3. Add the diced tomatoes, then the rice, and let it toast for a minute. 3 min

    Don't rinse the rice, its starch is what binds the dish together.

  4. Pour in the hot broth, cover, and cook over low heat without stirring. 18 min

    Stir once at the start only, the rice simmers gently and stays tender without sticking.

  5. Turn off the heat, let rest covered for five minutes, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. 5 min

    The steam finishes the cooking and the grains separate nicely.

Our tips to get it right

  • Use a wide skillet rather than a tall pot, the meat browns better spread out instead of steaming in its own liquid.
  • Keep the broth hot before pouring it in, this keeps the cooking temperature steady and the rice starts cooking right away.
  • If some rice sticks lightly to the bottom near the end, don't scrape it off right away, that golden layer adds flavor once stirred back in during the rest.

The variations

  • Swap the ground beef for shredded pork for a version closer to some southern Brazilian recipes.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and bacon, double the bell pepper, and stir in cooked black beans for texture.
  • To save time, use leftover cooked rice and add it near the end just to warm through with the sauce.

What to serve it with

  • A lemony green salad
  • Pan fried plantains
  • Fresh orange juice

Storage

Arroz carreteiro keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It freezes well for up to 2 months in individual portions. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to bring back the rice's texture.

Questions about this dish

Can you use a different cut of beef instead of ground beef?

Yes, shredded beef or leftover roast works well too. Chop it roughly with a knife before browning it the same way as ground beef.

Should the rice be rinsed before cooking?

No, skip rinsing. The starch on unrinsed rice helps bind the dish together and gives arroz carreteiro its slightly creamy texture.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors settle. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little broth or water.

Is this dish kid friendly?

Yes, the rice softens the tomato and meat flavors, and the bell pepper turns tender and easy to eat once cooked through. You can cut back on the pepper if your kids are sensitive to spice.

How long does it take to make an arroz carreteiro?

Count 45 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in an arroz carreteiro?

About 550 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does an arroz carreteiro cost?

About €3.00 per serving, or €12.00 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains none of the major allergens tracked by Mon Chou. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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