Carne Guisada Recipe
If you’re hunting for your next comfort food obsession, this Carne Guisada Recipe absolutely fits the bill. Packed with juicy chunks of beef, simmered lovingly in a tomato-rich gravy with classic spices, it’s the kind of meal that makes your whole kitchen smell incredible and gathers everyone around the table. Whether you call it Mexican beef stew or Tex-Mex magic, you won’t believe how a handful of pantry staples transform into something so outrageously savory and satisfying. This Carne Guisada Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or any time you crave something truly soul-warming and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to a memorable Carne Guisada Recipe is using simple, quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each plays a special role, from deepening the stew’s flavor to giving it that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture and signature color.
- Beef stew meat: Chuck or round brings plenty of flavor and turns tender after a long simmer.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for browning the beef and sautéing your veggies without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion: Diced onion adds subtle sweetness and depth as your stew cooks
- Green bell pepper: Brings fresh crunch and vibrant color, plus that craveable Tex-Mex flair.
- Garlic: Three cloves is just enough to perfume your whole kitchen as it cooks.
- Tomato (fresh or canned): Gives body and bright acidity to balance out the richness of the beef.
- Tomato paste: A dollop adds even deeper tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Beef broth: The backbone of this gravy, lending savory richness that soaks into every bite.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin is a must for real-deal Carne Guisada flavor.
- Chili powder: Adds a gentle smoky heat and that classic Tex-Mex profile.
- Smoked paprika: For a subtle, smoky undertone that keeps you coming back for more.
- Oregano: Brightens everything up and rounds out the flavor perfectly.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the stew with an unmistakable festive aroma as it simmers.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning your meat and deepening all the flavors.
- Flour (optional): If you crave a thicker, stick-to-your-ribs gravy, a spoonful of flour does the trick.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A sprinkle to brighten up your finished dish and add a pop of color.
How to Make Carne Guisada Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start your Carne Guisada Recipe strong by giving your stew meat a gorgeous, dark sear. Heat up the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot on medium-high. Add the beef in batches so it doesn’t crowd the pan, letting each piece brown on all sides. This step locks in beefy flavor and creates those tasty caramelized bits—don’t skip it! Once browned, scoop the beef onto a plate and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pot, add your diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, scraping up every last browned bit from the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are soft, fragrant, and just beginning to turn golden—this is where the familiar aroma of Carne Guisada really starts to fill your kitchen!
Step 3: Build the Base
Now’s the time to pile on the flavor. Add chopped fresh tomato (or pour in your canned tomatoes), then mix in the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir, letting those spices toast for a minute, awakening their deepest flavors and scents.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Return the browned beef (and any juices from the plate) to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and stir until everything’s perfectly combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to low, cover, and let the whole thing simmer away for 1.5 to 2 hours. The beef will become irresistibly tender and the sauce develops a rich, savory depth that’s pure comfort food heaven.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you’d like your Carne Guisada Recipe to be extra thick and luscious, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir this slurry into the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Give it a few minutes to bubble and thicken, then fish out the bay leaf and get ready for the home stretch.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle your stew with fresh cilantro if you love that vivid pop of green and fresh flavor. The stew can be plated up with your favorite sidekicks—tortillas, rice, or beans. Each bite will be rich, tender, and unforgettable!
How to Serve Carne Guisada Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Carne Guisada Recipe with some finishing touches! A handful of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions adds a welcome brightness. If you want more zing, a wedge of lime for squeezing or a little sprinkle of queso fresco works wonders. These small additions make every plate restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This hearty stew loves company. Steamed white rice is classic for soaking up all that tasty gravy, but fluffy Mexican rice, warm flour tortillas, or buttery refried beans are all delicious options. For something lighter, a crisp salad with avocado balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform leftovers by stuffing Carne Guisada into soft tacos, nestling it in a baked potato, or spooning it over nachos for the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort snack. This Carne Guisada Recipe even shines as a topping for breakfast eggs—trust me, you’ll want to try it every way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Carne Guisada Recipe keeps beautifully, so don’t worry about making a big batch. Cool your stew to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen the next day, making those leftovers even more craveable.
Freezing
Need to save some for later? This recipe freezes like a dream. Let the stew cool fully before ladling it into freezer-safe containers or bags (be sure to leave some space for expansion). It’ll keep its magic for two to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Carne Guisada Recipe gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until it’s hot and bubbly. You can also zap it in the microwave in bursts, but stovetop keeps the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I make Carne Guisada Recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the beef and sauté your veggies as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Reduce the beef broth slightly to prevent a watery sauce. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the beef is beautifully tender. It’s truly set-it-and-forget-it comfort food!
What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast or bottom round are fantastic choices since they become fall-apart tender with slow simmering. Just make sure to dice the meat into even, one-inch cubes so they cook evenly in the stew.
Is Carne Guisada Recipe spicy?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika, but isn’t very spicy. If you want more heat, toss in some diced jalapeño, serrano, or even chipotle powder for an extra kick!
Can I thicken the gravy without flour?
Definitely! Let the stew simmer uncovered for a little while at the end to reduce and naturally thicken, or stir in a slurry of corn starch and water as a gluten-free alternative. The result is just as delicious and satisfying.
How long can I store leftovers?
Your Carne Guisada Recipe will keep well in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option—just make sure it’s completely cooled before packing it into containers.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Guisada Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of rich flavors, homey aromas, and the kind of comfort that lingers long after dinner. I truly hope you give it a try and let it become part of your own family traditions. Grab your favorite sides and dig in—you’ll be looking for reasons to make this again and again!
Print
Carne Guisada Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and comforting Carne Guisada recipe, a traditional Mexican beef stew that is hearty and satisfying. Tender chunks of beef are simmered in a savory broth with aromatic spices, vegetables, and a hint of smokiness from paprika.
Ingredients
For the Carne Guisada:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large tomato (chopped) or 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened. Add the tomato, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
- Thicken (Optional): For a thicker gravy, mix flour with water and stir into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Finish: Remove bay leaf, garnish with cilantro, and serve with rice, tortillas, or beans.
Notes
- Marinate the beef for added flavor.
- Use a slow cooker for convenience.
- Adjust spice level to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Braising
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
