Nothing says comfort food like a steaming bowl of Cazuela Chilena. This traditional Chilean stew is a staple in homes across the country, bringing together rich flavors, nourishing ingredients, and a deep sense of tradition. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a taste of Chilean home cooking, this dish is sure to satisfy.
A Taste of Chilean Tradition
Cazuela is one of the most beloved dishes in Chile, found everywhere from family kitchens to countryside diners. The name “cazuela” comes from the Spanish word for “cooking pot,” which perfectly describes this rustic dish—everything is simmered together in one pot, creating a deeply flavorful and hearty meal.
This dish is often prepared with beef or chicken, slowly cooked with potatoes, pumpkin, corn, carrots, and rice to create a nourishing broth. The combination of vegetables and protein makes it a balanced and wholesome meal, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make: A one-pot dish with simple steps and minimal fuss.
✔️ Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
✔️ Authentic Chilean Flavor: A dish rich in tradition and taste.
✔️ Customizable: Swap beef for chicken, or adjust the vegetables to your liking.
How to Serve Cazuela Chilena
Cazuela is traditionally served in deep bowls, with each portion including a piece of meat, a potato, a chunk of pumpkin, and corn on the cob. It is often enjoyed with Chilean pebre sauce, a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a touch of spice.
For an even more authentic experience, pair it with a glass of Chilean red wine 🍷 or a refreshing homemade mote con huesillo, a sweet peach drink.
Make It Your Own
While the classic Cazuela Chilena recipe is delicious as-is, you can easily adjust it to your taste:
- Swap rice for quinoa to make it even heartier.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a unique twist.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
Try This Chilean Classic Today!
Whether you’re new to Chilean cuisine or revisiting a childhood favorite, Cazuela Chilena is a dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. Try making it for your next family dinner and experience the warmth of Chilean home cooking.
👉 Check out the full recipe below and let us know how it turns out in the comments!
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Cazuela Chilena Recipe 🇨🇱
Please Rate this Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large stockpot (at least 5-6 quarts)
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in beef shank or chicken thighs
- 8 cups water or beef/chicken broth
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 4 potatoes peeled and halved
- 2 pieces corn on the cob cut into halves
- 1 cup pumpkin (or butternut squash), cubed
- ½ cup rice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Meat:
- In a large pot, bring the water or broth to a boil. Add the meat, a pinch of salt, and simmer for about 30 minutes, skimming off any foam.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a pan, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper with a bit of oil until soft. Add cumin, oregano, and paprika. Stir well.
Build the Stew:
- Add the sautéed mixture to the pot with the meat. Then, add the sliced carrots, potatoes, and pumpkin. Let it simmer for another 20 minutes.
Add Rice & Corn:
- Stir in the rice and place the corn pieces into the pot. Let everything cook for another 10–15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the vegetables are soft.
Final Seasoning & Serve:
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve each portion with a piece of meat, a potato, corn, and broth. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
Things That Go Well With Cazuela Chilena
Cazuela Chilena and Its Connection to Chillán 🇨🇱
Nestled in central Chile, Chillán is a city rich in history, culture, and culinary traditions. Known for its vibrant markets, agricultural production, and deep-rooted rural heritage, it is the perfect place to experience authentic Chilean cuisine.
Cazuela Chilena is a dish that embodies the spirit of Chillán’s home-cooked meals. The city’s fertile lands produce some of the best corn, pumpkins, potatoes, and meats, all essential ingredients in this comforting stew. Chillán’s cold winters make Cazuela a popular dish, providing warmth and nourishment to locals.
A Taste of Chillán’s Culinary Scene
Chillán is home to Mercado de Chillán, one of the country’s most famous markets, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients are sold daily. The market’s vendors proudly showcase the Ñuble region’s agricultural bounty, including beef and free-range chicken, which are commonly used in Cazuela Chilena.
Beyond food, Chillán is also known for its hot springs, historic sites, and strong artistic heritage—it is the birthplace of renowned Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau. Visitors can enjoy both history and gastronomy, making it a fantastic place to savor a bowl of Cazuela Chilena while exploring Chilean culture.
Next time you prepare this dish, imagine yourself in a cozy countryside home in Chillán, enjoying a warm, flavorful bowl of Cazuela Chilena with family and friends. It’s a taste of Chile’s heartland in every spoonful! 🇨🇱🍲
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Photo Credits:
- Hispanic Food Network – Copyright 2025
- By Dieghoz – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21528239
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