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
Scale
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
