Carne Guisada Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that feels like a big hug on a plate, this Carne Guisada Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of beef chuck slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic tomato and spice sauce until every bite bursts with bold flavor. This classic, comforting stew not only fills your kitchen with incredible aromas but also brings people together around the table with its irresistible depth and warmth. Trust me, once you try this Carne Guisada Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for family dinners or anytime you want that perfect home-cooked feeling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Carne Guisada Recipe lies in its simplicity and the perfect harmony of its ingredients. Each item plays a vital role in bringing out rich flavors, vibrant colors, and the tender texture that make this dish so special.

• 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef that becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the beef and creating a delicious base for your stew.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that enhances every bite.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Brings a fresh, slightly sweet note and vibrant green color.
• 1 medium tomato, diced: Adds moisture and natural acidity to balance the richness.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and deepens the stew’s color.
• 2 cups beef broth: The simmering liquid that infuses the meat with savory goodness.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Offers warmth and a subtle earthy touch.
• 1 tsp chili powder: Brings just the right mild heat and complexity.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds smoky undertones and rich color.
• 1/2 tsp ground oregano: Gives a herbal, slightly peppery aroma.
• 1 bay leaf: Infuses the stew with a delicate layered flavor.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional): A quick thickener to get that perfect stew consistency if desired.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: The essential seasoning that balances all the flavors.
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds brightness and a pop of green at the end.

How to Make Carne Guisada Recipe

Step 1: Sear Your Beef to Perfection

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Sear the meat until browned on all sides—this caramelization locks in flavor and creates the foundation of your stew. Once seared, remove the beef and set it aside for the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics Until Fragrant

In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften and release their inviting aroma. This step builds layers of flavor that make the stew truly unforgettable.

Step 3: Build a Rich Tomato Base

Now stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1 or 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize lightly and deepen its flavor. Follow up by adding the diced tomato along with the cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir everything well to combine these bold spices into the mix.

Step 4: Simmer the Beef Until Tender

Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth, stirring gently. Drop in the bay leaf, then bring the entire pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld beautifully until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: Optional Thickening and Final Seasoning

If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will give your Carne Guisada Recipe that luscious, stew-like consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve Carne Guisada Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is the perfect finish, bringing a burst of color and a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness of the stew. Scatter it on top just before serving for that classic Carne Guisada touch.

Side Dishes

This dish loves company! Serve it with fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of the sauce, warm tortillas for scooping, or crusty bread that adds a wonderful contrast in texture. Each option complements the hearty stew in its own delicious way.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Carne Guisada Recipe inside soft taco shells for a casual, handheld meal. You can also ladle it over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist, or pile it on top of a fresh salad for a protein-packed, flavorful lunch. The possibilities are endless and all utterly delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Carne Guisada in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a great candidate for easy weekday lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ve got a ready-made meal waiting for you.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of beef broth or water if it looks too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain even warmth and texture.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal because of its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use stew meat or brisket. Just make sure it’s a cut that benefits from long, slow simmering.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for Carne Guisada Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or even jackfruit. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and use vegetable broth for a satisfying plant-based version.

How spicy is Carne Guisada?

This recipe has a mild, warm spice level thanks to the chili powder and paprika, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the amount or type of chili to suit your heat preference.

What can I do if my stew is too watery?

If the stew isn’t thick enough, the optional cornstarch slurry is your best friend. Stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking and let it thicken to the perfect consistency.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Definitely! After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This hands-off method yields equally tender and flavorful Carne Guisada.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a rich, flavorful stew from scratch, and this Carne Guisada Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you up inside, brings smiles to the table, and leaves you dreaming about the next time you’ll make it. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and dive into this delicious experience that’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Carne Guisada Recipe

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4 from 37 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Carne Guisada is a comforting and flavorful beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich tomato and spice-infused broth. This classic Latin American dish is perfect for a hearty family meal and is traditionally served with rice, tortillas, or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
2. Brown the beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot oil and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to caramelize and deepen the flavor.
5. Add diced tomato and spices: Mix in the diced tomato, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
6. Simmer the beef: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
7. Slow cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the beef is tender.
8. Thicken the sauce (optional): In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) if you prefer a thicker sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Garnish the Carne Guisada with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, warm tortillas, or bread to enjoy the rich sauce.

Notes

• For extra flavor, marinate the beef with some of the spices for an hour before cooking.
• You can substitute beef chuck with other stew cuts like brisket or short ribs.
• If you prefer a spicier stew, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• The cornstarch slurry is optional but helps achieve a thicker gravy-like consistency.
• Leftovers taste great the next day and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Category: Stew
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Latin American