If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that carries the authentic flavors of home-cooked comfort food, then you have to try this Carne Guisada Recipe. This dish brings together tender cubes of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy bursting with spices and fresh ingredients, making it the perfect centerpiece for any family dinner. The slow-cooked goodness and vibrant flavors ensure every bite is a celebration of tradition and taste, inviting you to savor something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the true essence of this Carne Guisada Recipe. Each element plays an essential role: from the juicy stew meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, to the aromatic spices and fresh vegetables that build layers of flavor and brighten the dish with color and texture.
- 3 pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes: Choose a cut with some marbling like chuck for the best tenderness after slow cooking.
- ¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil: Used for browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, infusing the dish with richness.
- 1 large onion or 2 small ones, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped: Gives a subtle crunch and fresh, slightly tangy bite.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for that unmistakable savory punch that elevates every stew.
- 3 large roma tomatoes, diced: These bring a lovely acidity and help create the base of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient and balances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 2 teaspoons cumin, ground: For that earthy, warm aroma classic to carne guisada.
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder: Offers a mild kick and subtle smokiness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the gravy’s color.
- 1 cube beef bouillon: Boosts the savory richness without needing extra seasoning.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce to a luscious gravy consistency.
- 3-4 cups beef broth, low sodium: The main liquid that braises the meat tender and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh bright finish and a splash of color right before serving.
How to Make Carne Guisada Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating about 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding, browning each side until a caramelized crust forms. This step is essential as it locks in the flavors and develops those deep, rich notes so important to Carne Guisada Recipe. Once browned, set the meat aside to rest while you move on to the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the remaining oil, then toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and diced roma tomatoes. Cook over medium heat until the onions soften and the tomatoes release their juices—this is where the base of your sauce builds layers of savory sweetness and vibrant aromas that will perfectly complement the beef’s richness.
Step 3: Season Everything
Now sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and add the tomato paste along with the beef bouillon cube. Stir everything together so the tomato paste thickens slightly while the spices bloom in the hot oil, infusing the whole mixture with warm, inviting flavors. This seasoning step is what truly sets the Carne Guisada Recipe apart and gives it that comforting, familiar taste.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetable mixture and stir well to coat everything. This will help your sauce thicken into the rich gravy that clings lovingly to each bite of tender meat. Slowly pour in 3 to 4 cups of low sodium beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. You’ll want the sauce just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still silky and smooth.
Step 5: Simmer to Tender Perfection
Return the browned beef along with any juices back to the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook slowly for about 1.5 hours. This low and slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue in the stew meat, resulting in tender, juicy chunks swimming in a deeply flavored gravy that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before serving, taste your Carne Guisada Recipe and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve it up piping hot with your favorite sides and get ready for all the compliments coming your way!
How to Serve Carne Guisada Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh cilantro goes a long way to brighten up this rich stew. Some people also love to add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice for contrasting freshness that cuts through the hearty flavors. These simple garnishes make each bite pop while keeping the classic spirit of Carne Guisada Recipe alive.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside fluffy white rice or warm, soft tortillas that soak up every last drop of the luscious gravy. You might also enjoy it with refried beans, roasted vegetables, or even a crisp green salad to add a fresh crunch. The possibilities are endless, and each choice complements the stew in delightful ways.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your Carne Guisada Recipe into a filling for tacos or burritos, layering with fresh avocado and pickled onions. You can also pile it over nachos, topping with melted cheese and jalapeños for a festive appetizer. Serving it in a bread bowl or alongside a warm biscuit creates a cozy, rustic experience perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Carne Guisada Recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an easy option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep Carne Guisada Recipe on hand for longer, freezing is a fantastic way to preserve it. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that fresh-from-the-pot flavor.
Reheating
When it comes time to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the meat. You can also microwave leftovers covered in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep that velvety sauce intact and the beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Carne Guisada Recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat or chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may require careful cooking to avoid toughness.
Is Carne Guisada Recipe spicy?
This traditional recipe features a mild to moderate spice level thanks to chili powder, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder, fresh jalapeños, or hot sauce to suit your taste buds.
Can I make Carne Guisada Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables on the stovetop, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for tender meat and rich flavors without much hands-on time.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?
In a pinch, canned diced tomatoes work well as a substitute and help maintain the sauce’s moisture and tang, keeping the heart of the Carne Guisada Recipe intact.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the meat and vegetables nicely but still pourable. If you prefer it thicker, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour or simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid further.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Guisada Recipe is truly a gem that deserves an honored place in your recipe rotation. With its rich, comforting flavors and tender beef, it’s like a little celebration of home cooking in every bite. I encourage you to try it soon and watch it become your go-to dinner for cozy nights and special gatherings alike.
Print
Carne Guisada Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Carne Guisada is a hearty, slow-simmered beef stew that features tender chunks of stew meat cooked in a flavorful gravy made from sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. This comforting dish is perfect for serving with rice and tortillas, showcasing classic Tex-Mex and Mexican-American flavors.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion or 2 small ones, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Fats
- ¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3–4 cups beef broth, low sodium
Seasonings and Thickener
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or more for thicker gravy)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat in batches and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onions, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and diced roma tomatoes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the salt, black pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, tomato paste, and crumble the beef bouillon cube into the vegetable mixture. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Thicken Gravy: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and to create a smooth, thick gravy.
- Simmer the Beef: Return the browned stew meat to the skillet with the gravy. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 1.5 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well melded.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot over rice with warm tortillas on the side.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, add more flour gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Low sodium beef broth is recommended to better control the saltiness of the stew.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the cut and size of the beef cubes; cook until tender.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezes well; thaw completely and reheat gently on the stovetop.
