Carne Desmenuzada con Arroz y Huevos
A hearty and flavorful Nicaraguan staple, this dish features tender shredded beef (carne desmenuzada) served alongside fluffy white rice and fried eggs. It's a comforting and satisfying meal often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck roast
- 1 large Onion(quartered)
- 1 green Bell pepper(quartered)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(smashed)
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 cups White rice
- 4 cups Water
- 4 large Eggs
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the beef chuck roast in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the quartered onion, bell pepper, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and beef broth. Ensure the beef is mostly submerged.
💡 Tip: You can also add a pinch of cumin for extra flavor. - 2
Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
⏱️ 2 to 2.5 hours💡 Tip: Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of simmering. - 3
Once the beef is tender, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Reserve the cooking liquid.
💡 Tip: Allow the beef to cool slightly before shredding. - 4
Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the pot with the reserved cooking liquid. Simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and coat the beef, creating a rich sauce.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes💡 Tip: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - 5
While the beef is simmering, cook the white rice. Rinse the rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 6
In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the eggs to your desired doneness (sunny-side up or over-easy are traditional).
💡 Tip: Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. - 7
Serve the carne desmenuzada hot over a bed of white rice, topped with a fried egg.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can sear the beef chuck roast on all sides before adding the other ingredients to the pot.
- ✓If you don't have beef broth, you can use water and add a beef bouillon cube.
- ✓Leftover carne desmenuzada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add some finely chopped cilantro to the shredded beef for a fresh herb flavor.
- Serve with a side of fried plantains (tajadas) for a complete meal.