Carne Guisada Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: Carne Guisada. This rich and savory Tex-Mex classic delivers melt-in-your-mouth tender beef simmered in a perfectly seasoned, velvety gravy. With hints of cumin, garlic, and a gentle kick of chili, every bite is a hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re new to this iconic dish or it’s a staple in your kitchen, Carne Guisada is destined to become your go-to for family dinners or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Carne Guisada is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Each component plays a key role in layering flavor, creating that irresistible texture, or adding vibrant color to the stew.
- Beef Stew Meat (2 pounds): Using well-marbled beef cubes ensures juicy, fork-tender bites after a slow simmer.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Just the right amount for browning the beef and building rich flavor in your pot.
- Onion, Chopped (1 small): Sweet and aromatic, onions form the backbone of the stew’s flavor profile.
- Green Bell Pepper, Chopped (1): Adds fresh color and a mild peppery zing for balance.
- Garlic, Minced (3 cloves): Stirred in at just the right moment for a wonderful garlicky warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the gravy to that luscious, cling-to-your-fork consistency.
- Beef Broth (1 1/2 cups): Infuses savory depth and ensures the sauce is rich without being heavy.
- Tomato Sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Brings a bright acidity and smooth texture to the gravy.
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Essential for that Tex-Mex warmth you crave in Carne Guisada.
- Chili Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds complexity and just a gentle undercurrent of heat.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a sweet-smoky note and classic color.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasoning to taste makes every batch your own.
- Chopped Cilantro (optional, for garnish): A fresh pop of color and flavor if you love herbs in your stew.
How to Make Carne Guisada
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches—don’t crowd the pan—for beautiful browning on all sides. This crucial step not only locks in those savory juices but also builds a deep base flavor for your Carne Guisada. Once browned, set the beef aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onions and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, giving the veggies a garlicky twist that intensifies the stew’s overall aroma.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. This allows the flour to absorb all those flavorful drippings, which sets the stage for a perfectly thickened, gravy-style sauce down the line.
Step 4: Build the Gravy
Gradually pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce while scraping any tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pot—those caramelized bits are gold! This step transforms your simmering base into the velvety heart of Carne Guisada.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Return the browned beef (and any juices it released!) to the pot. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bring it to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to low. Cover and let your stew simmer softly for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef yields effortlessly to a fork and your sauce becomes thick and glossy—pure comfort in a bowl.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the Carne Guisada is finished, top it off with chopped cilantro if you like a fresh, herbal finish. Now it’s time to serve it up piping hot with your favorite sides and watch everyone swoon with the first bite!
How to Serve Carne Guisada
Garnishes
Brighten up your stew with a scatter of chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling a little spicy, a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of diced jalapeños over the top will do wonders. A dollop of sour cream or a few crumbles of queso fresco can also be glorious if you enjoy creamy or tangy notes.
Side Dishes
No Carne Guisada dinner is complete without some classic sides! Ladle it over a mound of fluffy white rice, scoop it next to refried beans, or stack it inside a warm tortilla. For a real Tex-Mex feast, serve alongside Mexican street corn, a salad of avocado and tomatoes, or crispy tostadas. The possibilities are wide open!
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the bowl? Try spooning Carne Guisada over baked potatoes, stuffing it into savory empanadas, or using it as a decadent taco or burrito filling. You can even pile it onto nachos for the ultimate game-night treat. This stew adapts to your cravings—get creative and enjoy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Carne Guisada only gets better with time, making it a fantastic meal-prep option. Once it’s cooled to room temp, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors deepen overnight.
Freezing
If you’d like to have Carne Guisada at the ready for busy days, portion cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave a little space at the top, as liquids expand as they freeze.
Reheating
Reheat Carne Guisada gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen up the sauce. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth. The goal is to keep that beef succulent, not overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Carne Guisada?
Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient, cuts like chuck roast or brisket work beautifully and result in even silkier texture. Just make sure to cube the meat and trim excess fat as desired.
Can I make Carne Guisada in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare everything as directed through browning and sautéing, then transfer to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Is Carne Guisada spicy?
No, this recipe is gently seasoned with a mild depth rather than heat. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add extra chili powder or diced fresh chiles to suit your taste.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To keep your Carne Guisada gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free alternative—cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend will both work just fine.
Can I add vegetables or other extras?
Definitely! Many home cooks add potatoes, carrots, or peas for a one-pot meal. Just chop and stir them in a bit before the stew finishes simmering so they cook until tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Carne Guisada before, this is truly the recipe that wins hearts at first bite. Gather your ingredients, savor the aroma as it simmers, and get ready to serve up pure comfort. I can’t wait to hear how much your family loves it—happy cooking!
Print
Carne Guisada Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Carne Guisada is a traditional Tex-Mex beef stew that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe features tender beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, onions, and bell peppers.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Veggies and Spices:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot, brown beef cubes in batches. Set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, cook onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic.
- Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle flour over veggies, stir. Gradually add beef broth and tomato sauce.
- Simmer: Return beef to pot, add spices. Simmer covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or tortillas.
Notes
- You can add diced potatoes for a heartier version.
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef with garlic and spices before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
