If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, deeply flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy beef cubes slowly simmered in a rich blend of spices, tomato, and aromatic vegetables, creating a stew that’s hearty enough to satisfy any craving yet versatile enough to pair perfectly with just about anything. It’s the kind of meal that brings family and friends together, promising comfort and deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the robust beef to the fragrant spices and tender vegetables, each element contributes to making this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe truly special.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled cubes for tender, juicy results after slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the beef and softening the vegetables, adding depth to the flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings sweetness and balances the spice with its natural mellow flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds freshness and a slight crisp texture that enhances the stew.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that unmistakable savory punch that every hearty stew needs.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and provides a luscious, thick base.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a warm, earthy aroma key to authentic Tex-Mex seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings mild heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note rounding out the spices beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a smoky color and mild sweetness that complements the beef.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Seasoning that kicks up the flavor a notch.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for elevating every other flavor in the recipe.
- 1 cup beef broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base that keeps the beef tender and juicy.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Enhances the saucy texture and deepens the tomato essence.
- 1/2 cup water: Balances the liquid components, ensuring the stew isn’t too thick or too thin.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional): For thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a heavy-bottomed pot, like a Dutch oven. This step is where the magic starts as you brown the beef cubes on all sides, sealing in their natural juices and creating that crave-worthy caramelized crust. Don’t crowd the pan; browning in batches ensures a beautifully seared surface, which is essential for rich flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the beef is set aside, toss in your diced onion and green bell pepper to the same pot. Cooking these until they soften releases their sweetness and forms the savory foundation of the stew. Just after 5 minutes, add the garlic and cook for one more minute to bring forward its aromatic charm without burning.
Step 3: Bloom the Spices
Stir in the tomato paste along with cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Let this mixture cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This process wakes up those spices, allowing their flavors to fully release and meld into the base of your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Return the beautifully browned beef back into the pot, pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and water, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and let it cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to keep the flavors marrying and the beef tenderizing to fall-apart perfection.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy, stir in a flour slurry (flour mixed with a bit of water) if you want a thicker sauce. This step is perfect for those who love their Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe with a luscious, gravy-like consistency that clings to each bite.
How to Serve Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top brings a pop of color and a refreshing bite that brightens this rich stew. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lime juice is an absolute game-changer, enhancing the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Carne Guisada shines alongside fluffy white rice, warm corn tortillas, or creamy mashed potatoes. These sides soak up the savory sauce perfectly and provide the right balance of texture and flavor. For a lighter option, a crisp salad with fresh veggies or a tangy slaw is delightful as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using the stew as a filling for tacos or burritos for a festive meal. Alternatively, serve it over polenta or roasted vegetables for a modern twist. You can even spoon it onto toasted bread for a satisfying open-faced sandwich experience that’s hearty and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to four days and tastes even better as the flavors continue to meld overnight.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully, so don’t hesitate to portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy a comforting homemade meal anytime you want.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, gently warm your Carne Guisada on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. This slow, careful reheating preserves the tender texture and rich flavor you originally loved.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal because it becomes tender after braising, chuck roast or brisket cut into cubes will also work wonderfully in this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors are well developed.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder but is not overly spicy. You can easily dial up the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper or keep it milder by reducing the chili powder.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the stew?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with water will thicken the sauce just as well without compromising the flavor or texture.
Can I prepare this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors deepen and become even richer after sitting overnight. It makes an excellent make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is one of those dishes that never fail to impress with its rich, tender beef and perfectly seasoned sauce. It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of hearty Tex-Mex comfort to your table and share something truly special with the people you love. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a welcomed staple in your home cooking rotation!
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Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Carne Guisada is a flavorful Mexican braised beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich sauce of tomatoes, spices, and peppers. This comforting dish is perfect served with rice, tortillas, or mashed potatoes and delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Beef and Oil
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Thickener (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding and brown on all sides. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, paprika, ground black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to bloom the spices and enhance flavor.
- Return Beef and Add Liquids: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and water. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the optional flour with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve hot with rice, warm tortillas, or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For added heat and flavor, add a chopped jalapeño or a splash of lime juice.
- Substitute water with beer for a richer and deeper sauce.
- Carne Guisada tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully melded.
- To keep the dish gluten-free, omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickener.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
