Looking for a versatile, crowd-pleasing lunch idea? Our “Carne Louca” (Brazilian-style shredded beef) is the perfect solution. It’s a staple for quick, practical meals—ideal for hearty sandwiches, served over rice and beans, or used as a savory filling for empanadas and pastries. You can easily adapt this recipe with beef, chicken, or pork. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Brazilian Shredded Beef (Carne Louca):
- 2.2 lbs (approx. 1 kg) beef round roast (or bottom round);
- 3 medium bell peppers (yellow and red), sliced;
- 1 medium onion, diced;
- 1 cup tomato sauce;
- 6 cups (approx. 1.5 liters) water;
- 2 beef bouillon cubes;
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce;
- Salt to taste;
- Black pepper to taste;
- Fresh parsley and scallions, chopped, to taste.
How to Make Carne Louca:
- Cut the beef into medium chunks to make it easier to shred later; set aside.
- In a pressure cooker, add the diced onion, sliced bell peppers, and tomato sauce.
- Place the beef chunks in the pot and cover with water.
- Add the bouillon cubes and soy sauce, then mix well.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste and place the pot over high heat.
- Once the pressure cooker reaches full pressure, reduce heat to low and cook for about 50 minutes, or until the meat is extremely tender and falling apart.
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Carefully remove the meat from the pot and use two forks to shred it finely.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and scallions. Serve as desired and enjoy!
- Bom appetit!
Pro Tips:
If you prefer a saucier beef, feel free to add a bit more water during the cooking process. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you want to maintain a rich, concentrated flavor.
Did you know?
Carne Louca is a classic Brazilian dish, originating from São Paulo in the 1950s. It became a favorite in local snack bars (“lanchonetes”) for its delicious shredded beef sandwiches. Over time, it became a staple at birthday parties and family gatherings across the country.
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