Carne Guisada Recipe

Coziness in a bowl—that’s exactly how I’d describe Carne Guisada. This classic Tex-Mex beef stew is one of those soulful, simmered-all-day dishes that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and delivers fork-tender beef in a savory, gently spiced gravy. It’s comfort food at its best, and trust me—once you experience a spoonful, you’ll want to make Carne Guisada part of your regular cozy dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Carne Guisada is that it relies on everyday staples—each one playing a crucial role in creating that luscious, comforting stew. Don’t be fooled by the ingredient list’s simplicity; every component contributes big time to the taste, texture, and inviting color.

• Chuck steak, cubed: The classic cut for stews, it becomes luxuriously tender after slow simmering and lends rich, beefy depth to the dish.
• Oil: Used for sautéing the veggies and browning the beef, infusing everything with extra flavor.
• Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and savory base to the stew.
• Bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and a gentle, mellow flavor that balances the spices.
• Garlic: For that essential aromatic lift—don’t skimp!
• Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, thickening and enriching the gravy.
• Fresh tomatoes, diced: Give juicy body and a bright, tangy freshness to the stew.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the gravy so each bite is perfectly saucy—not soupy.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other flavor.
• Ground cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin is the backbone spice of Carne Guisada.
• Chili powder: Adds subtle heat and a little smoky complexity that makes the stew distinctive.
• Beef broth: The main simmering liquid, it infuses the whole pot with rich, savory notes.

Variations

One of the very best things about Carne Guisada is how easy it is to adapt it to your preferences, pantry, or any special diets. Use what you have, try fresh twists, and make this stew your own every single time!

• Spice Level Swap: Craving extra heat? Stir in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce along with the chili powder.
• Veggie Load-Up: Toss in extra vegetables, like diced potatoes or carrots, for added heartiness and nutrition.
• Protein Alternative: Try this recipe with pork stew meat or even boneless chicken thighs for a lighter (but still super flavorful) version.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute cornstarch for the flour to easily make Carne Guisada gluten-free—just mix it with a bit of cold broth before adding.

How to Make Carne Guisada

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant—don’t rush this step, as it forms the savory backbone of the stew.

Step 2: Brown the Beef & Add Peppers

Add your cubed chuck steak to the pot, spreading it out so each piece gets a chance to brown nicely. Let the beef develop a bit of color on all sides—it adds deep, complex flavor. Toss in the chopped bell peppers and cook a couple minutes more, just until they start to soften and mingle their sweetness with the beef.

Step 3: Build the Saucy Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook it briefly to concentrate its flavor before adding in the diced tomatoes. Simmer everything together for a few minutes, letting the tomatoes break down a little and infuse the stew with their tangy brightness.

Step 4: Thicken and Season

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Allow the flour to cook for a minute so it loses its raw taste. Pour in the beef broth, then sprinkle in the salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom—the secret flavor-makers!

Step 5: The Low-and-Slow Simmer

Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to low. Cover and let the Carne Guisada bubble away for about 2 hours, stirring every so often. Add a splash of water or extra broth if it starts looking too thick. Once the meat is fall-apart tender and the sauce is hearty and glossy, you’re ready to serve!

Step 6: Serving & Garnishing

Ladle your Carne Guisada into bowls while piping hot. Top each serving with chopped fresh cilantro (or your favorite garnish!). Let everyone customize their own bowl for that extra-special, homey touch.

How to Serve Carne Guisada

Garnishes

Carne Guisada begs for something fresh and colorful on top! A sprinkle of chopped cilantro wakes up all the savory flavors, while sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime add a bright, finishing touch. For a little richness, a dollop of sour cream or shreds of sharp cheddar work beautifully as well.

Side Dishes

Classic pairings for Carne Guisada include fluffy steamed rice or warm tortillas—either corn or flour—ready to scoop up every bit of that delicious gravy. Don’t overlook creamy refried beans, crispy potato wedges, or a simple green salad for a full, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Carne Guisada into wow-worthy tacos by nestling it into tortillas and topping with crisp lettuce, fresh pico, or quick-pickled onions. You can also pile it over baked potatoes, stuff it into empanadas, or serve it family-style from the pot for casual gatherings. It’s a stunner in bread bowls on chilly nights, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Carne Guisada leftover, store it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and seems to get even tastier as the flavors meld overnight.

Freezing

Carne Guisada freezes like a dream! Let the stew cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’re practically guaranteed a comforting meal, any time.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm Carne Guisada gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally (add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much). Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but stovetop is best for restoring that perfect sauciness and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of comfort food, you simply can’t go wrong with a big pot of Carne Guisada. It’s satisfying, simple, and completely soul-hugging—so go ahead, give it a try and share the love with your favorite people around the table!

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