Carne Guisada Recipe

Introduction

Carne Guisada is a comforting, flavorful beef stew rich with tender chunks of meat simmered in a savory tomato and spice sauce. This classic dish is perfect for cozy dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice or warm tortillas.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
• 2 pounds chuck steak (cubed)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 large tomatoes (diced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add cubed chuck steak to the pot and brown on all sides. Add chopped bell peppers and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften.
3. Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook until heated through. Pour in beef broth, then season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
5. Step 5: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if the stew becomes too thick.
6. Step 6: Once the meat is tender, serve warm. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bay leaf while simmering.
• Use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach by browning the meat and vegetables first, then cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
• Substitute beef broth with chicken broth for a lighter flavor or add diced potatoes for a heartier stew.

Storage

Store leftover carne guisada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little water if needed to loosen the sauce. This stew also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, other cuts like stew beef or brisket work well. Choose cuts that become tender with slow cooking.

Is carne guisada spicy?

The dish has mild heat from the chili powder but can be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less chili or fresh chilies.

Carne Guisada Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 143 reviews

Carne Guisada is a classic, hearty Mexican beef stew made with tender chunks of chuck steak simmered in a flavorful blend of tomatoes, peppers, and spices. This comforting dish features a rich, thick sauce perfect for serving over rice or with warm tortillas.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
• 2 pounds chuck steak, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Heat oil and sauté onions: Heat 2 1/2 tablespoons of oil in a pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Brown the beef: Add the cubed chuck steak to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, turning the pieces to ensure even browning, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Cook peppers: Add the chopped bell pepper to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add tomato paste and tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then add the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add flour and spices: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir well, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Add salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder, mixing thoroughly.
6. Add broth and simmer: Pour in the 2 cups beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
7. Simmer the stew: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add water as needed if the sauce becomes too thick during cooking.
8. Finish and serve: Once the beef is tender and the flavors have melded, adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the carne guisada warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

• Chuck steak is preferred for its tenderness after slow cooking, but other stew beef cuts can be substituted.
• If the stew is too thick while simmering, add small amounts of water or additional beef broth to reach desired consistency.
• This dish pairs excellently with warm tortillas, rice, or beans.
• For extra flavor, marinate the beef with spices 30 minutes before cooking.

Keywords: Carne Guisada, Mexican beef stew, slow cooked beef, chuck steak recipe, hearty Mexican stew