Carne Guisada Recipe

This Carne Guisada recipe is one of those soul-warming dishes that instantly transports me back to family gatherings and cozy Sunday dinners. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, a savory, deeply flavored gravy, and just enough spice to keep every bite interesting—this classic Tex-Mex stew is pure comfort served with a side of nostalgia.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Carne Guisada lies in its simplicity: every ingredient has a purpose, working together to create that signature savory gravy and fall-apart beef. Here’s a peek at each star of the show and why you don’t want to skip a thing!

• Olive oil or vegetable oil: Essential for searing the beef and sautéing veggies; adds richness and depth right from the start.
• Stew meat (3 pounds): Use chunky, marbled beef—this is what creates that succulent, pull-apart texture after a slow simmer.
• Chopped onion: Brings sweetness and a soft, comforting base to the sauce.
• Green bell pepper: Adds mellow flavor and a classic Southwestern touch.
• Fresh garlic: Four cloves ensure bold, aromatic undertones throughout the stew.
• Roma tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes provide a little tang and body to the gravy.
• Salt & black pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering.
• Cumin & chili powder: These are non-negotiable for Carne Guisada—they infuse the dish with warmth and a gentle hint of earthiness.
• Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato richness and helps thicken that luscious sauce.
• Beef bouillon cube: Brings umami and boosts the savory profile of the gravy.
• All-purpose flour: The secret to achieving a thick, silky gravy—sprinkled at just the right moment in the recipe.
• Low sodium beef broth: Lets you control the saltiness while building a crave-worthy sauce.
• Fresh cilantro: A vibrant pop of color and freshness for a beautiful finish.

Variations

This Carne Guisada is endlessly customizable—don’t be afraid to put your own unique spin on it! Whether it’s tweaking the spice blend, changing up veggies, or making it fit your dietary needs, the options are wide open.

• Make it heartier with potatoes: Add diced potatoes in the last hour of simmering for an even more filling stew.
• Spice it up: Toss in hot chili powder, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne if you crave some serious heat with your gravy.
• Low-carb or keto: Skip the flour or use your favorite grain-free thickener to keep it low-carb delicious.
• Beer-braised version: Replace some or all of the beef broth with a good Mexican beer for deeper, malty undertones.

How to Make Carne Guisada

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—make sure that oil is shimmering before the beef goes in. Add the stew meat in batches, browning it on all sides (about 5 to 7 minutes). Don’t rush this step; a rich, golden crust delivers irresistible flavor that will infuse the whole stew. Once browned, set the beef aside and repeat with the rest if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Drizzle a bit more oil into the skillet, then add the onion and green bell pepper. Let them soften and turn translucent—about 3 minutes—then stir in the garlic for a burst of aroma and cook another minute. Finally, add the roma tomatoes for a splash of freshness, letting them mingle with the aromatics for another minute.

Step 3: Season and Build Flavor

Now, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the veggies. Add tomato paste and crumble in the beef bouillon cube, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this is flavor gold, and you want it all in your Carne Guisada!

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggie mixture and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes. You’re not just thickening the stew—you’re cooking out that raw flour flavor. Gradually pour in a cup of beef broth, stirring to combine. Watch as the sauce begins to thicken and get glossy—this is when the anticipation really kicks in!

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow

Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add another 2 cups of beef broth, stir it all together, cover, and let it cook low and slow for at least 1½ hours. Stir occasionally, adding more broth if things get too thick. By the time you lift the lid, the beef will be so tender it’s spoon-ready—and your kitchen will smell fabulous.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Before serving, check for seasoning and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. Garnish generously with chopped cilantro. Serve your Carne Guisada piping hot alongside rice and soft tortillas, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds.

How to Serve Carne Guisada

Garnishes

For a classic finish, shower your Carne Guisada generously with freshly chopped cilantro—the green not only looks gorgeous but brightens up the deep flavors. If you want a Tex-Mex touch, add sliced jalapeños, a scatter of chopped onions, or even a spoonful of pico de gallo for a little contrasting crunch.

Side Dishes

You simply can’t go wrong with fluffy white rice and warm flour tortillas alongside your Carne Guisada. For a more festive spread, serve it with creamy refried beans or a crisp green salad. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider Mexican street corn or simple sautéed greens to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling Carne Guisada over crispy tostadas, or pile it into soft taco shells and top with all your favorite fixings for a fun Tex-Mex twist. Leftovers make the most incredible burrito or empanada filling—just spoon into dough, bake or fry, and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Carne Guisada in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3–5 days. The flavors actually deepen and get even better overnight, making leftovers highly sought-after the next day!

Freezing

Carne Guisada freezes beautifully. Once it’s cooled completely, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Tucked away in your freezer, it’ll be ready for an easy heat-and-eat dinner for up to 6 months—perfect for make-ahead meal prep!

Reheating

Reheat your Carne Guisada gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy and restore its luscious texture. Stir gently and warm until piping hot—good as new every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers ultimate comfort, bold flavor, and plenty of happy faces at the dinner table, this Carne Guisada is it. I hope you give it a try soon—your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and you just might start a new family tradition. Enjoy every savory spoonful!

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