Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s pure comfort, deeply flavorful, and so simple to make, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Crock Pot Carne Guisada. This slow-simmered Mexican-style beef stew is a cherished classic that fills your home with irresistible aromas and results in melt-in-your-mouth tender meat swimming in a richly seasoned sauce. Whether you’re piling it onto tortillas, spooning it onto fluffy rice, or enjoying it with a side of beans, Crock Pot Carne Guisada is the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you know—and make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crock Pot Carne Guisada lies in its lineup of approachable ingredients that work magic together. Each one brings its own personality—whether that means robust flavor, vibrant color, or the perfect silky texture in this stew.
- Beef stew meat: Go for well-marbled chuck or stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes for the most succulent results that fall apart after long, slow cooking.
- Vegetable oil: This helps create a lovely brown crust on the beef, locking in juices and boosting flavor.
- Onion: Chopped onion melts into the sauce, delivering sweetness and body.
- Green bell pepper: Adds color and a fresh, grassy undertone that balances the richness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings bold, aromatic depth to each bite.
- Tomatoes: Use fresh diced tomatoes for a lighter taste, or canned for convenience and richness—either way, they create the base for the luscious sauce.
- Beef broth: This is the backbone of the stew’s sauce, lending deep, savory flavor.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the stew’s tomato flavor, giving richness and color.
- Ground cumin: Its warm, earthy notes are essential for authentic Tex-Mex character.
- Chili powder: A touch of smokiness and gentle heat—adjust to taste for more spice!
- Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the stew’s flavor.
- Dried oregano: For those little pops of herbal aroma that round out the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: An essential duo to enhance all the other flavors.
- Bay leaves: They lend a whisper of mellow, woodsy flavor during the long simmer.
- Cornstarch slurry (optional): For those who love a thick, hearty gravy, this quick mix will do the trick in the last half-hour.
How to Make Crock Pot Carne Guisada
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start this recipe right by browning your beef cubes in hot vegetable oil. This quick, flavorful step creates those beautiful, caramelized edges and helps lock in flavor. Spread the beef out in batches for the best sear—don’t overcrowd that skillet! Once each piece is beautifully golden, transfer it to your Crock Pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, take advantage of the flavorful brown bits left behind. Toss in your chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until everything softens and the kitchen smells amazing. This trio is key to building a sauce with deep, layered flavor. Scrape every last bit from the pan into the slow cooker with your beef.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Now it’s time to build the backbone of your Crock Pot Carne Guisada. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, thick tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. This vibrant sauce mixture promises incredible depth once it all gets cozy in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the Crock Pot and set it on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This low-and-slow method guarantees extra-tender beef, with every bite infused with saucy, savory goodness. Your kitchen will be filled with tantalizing aromas by the time it’s ready.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you love a thick, gravy-like sauce with your Crock Pot Carne Guisada, stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll bring everything together with that perfect, clingy consistency. Before serving, don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves!
How to Serve Crock Pot Carne Guisada
Garnishes
Top your Crock Pot Carne Guisada with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of chopped onions, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of brightness. For extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a handful of shredded cheese can take it right over the top.
Side Dishes
This stew is just begging to be served with fluffy white rice, warm tortillas, or classic refried beans. If you’re feeling festive, add some Mexican street corn or a simple side salad to round out the meal—it’s all about soaking up that glorious sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Crock Pot Carne Guisada is endlessly versatile. Spoon it inside tacos or burritos, pile it over loaded nachos, or nestle it into a baked potato for a Tex-Mex twist. You could even use it as a topping for enchiladas or stuff it inside a warm, puffy bread roll for the ultimate sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Crock Pot Carne Guisada is a gift that keeps on giving. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get richer overnight.
Freezing
This stew is freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Crock Pot Carne Guisada gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, pop individual servings in the microwave, covering loosely to prevent splatters. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Crock Pot Carne Guisada?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat or chuck is traditional for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can use brisket or round roast if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind that fattier cuts yield the most tender and flavorful results.
How can I make Crock Pot Carne Guisada spicier?
Spice lovers, rejoice! Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper when you layer the ingredients into the slow cooker. For even more heat, serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side.
Do I have to brown the meat first?
For the best flavor and texture, browning the meat is highly recommended, but it’s not strictly necessary if you’re pressed for time. Skipping this step means the stew won’t have quite the same depth, but your Crock Pot Carne Guisada will still be delicious.
Is Crock Pot Carne Guisada gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written—just double-check your beef broth and spices to make sure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients. If you’re thickening with cornstarch, that’s a safe bet for gluten-free diners.
Can I prepare Crock Pot Carne Guisada ahead for a party?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors only get better as they sit. Prep the stew a day ahead, chill overnight, then gently reheat before your gathering. Set out tortillas, rice, and all the fixings for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much to love about Crock Pot Carne Guisada—it’s comforting, fuss-free, and absolutely packed with flavor. If you haven’t let your slow cooker deliver this Tex-Mex classic yet, now’s your chance. Try it once and you’ll soon find it’s a recipe you return to whenever you want to share a little extra warmth and flavor with the people around your table.
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Crock Pot Carne Guisada Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful, this Crock Pot Carne Guisada is a Mexican-inspired beef stew that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. Packed with aromatic spices and vegetables, it’s a comforting dish that pairs perfectly with rice, beans, or tortillas.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
Seasonings:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and brown the beef cubes on all sides. Transfer to the crock pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened. Add to the crock pot.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, seasonings, and bay leaves.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
- Thicken (Optional): If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves before serving. Enjoy warm with accompaniments of your choice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding beer or red wine with the broth.
- To increase spiciness, incorporate jalapeños or crushed red pepper.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
