If you’ve ever wanted to cozy up with a dish that feels like a warm hug, then this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender cubes of beef slowly braised in a rich, flavorful sauce packed with spices, tomatoes, and just the right touch of heat create a comforting stew that’s pure Tex-Mex magic. Every bite is a celebration of home-cooked goodness that never fails to impress whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or sharing with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe lies not just in the flavors but also in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building depth, balancing textures, and adding vibrant color that makes the dish as appealing as it is delicious.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck): Choose well-marbled meat for the best tenderness after braising.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for searing without overpowering flavors.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and a subtle crunch when sautéed.
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped): Adds bright color and a hint of bitterness to balance the richness.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the stew with irresistible aromatic warmth.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates umami flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces that classic smoky, earthy Tex-Mex flair.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings gentle heat and complexity to the stew.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and rich red color.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the savory flavor with its herbal notes.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the sauce into a luscious gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth: Provides the liquid base that braises the beef tender and juicy.
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles: Offers a delightful kick and juicy texture.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to round out the dish.
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of green for serving.
How to Make Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef
Start by seasoning your beef cubes generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches to create a deep brown crust on every side, which will add incredible flavor to the dish. Once browned, set the meat aside and get ready for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Turn down the heat slightly to medium. Add the onion and green bell pepper to the same pot, allowing them to soften and release their juices over about five minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook it just long enough to become fragrant—about one minute. This forms the aromatic foundation of our stew.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Now stir in the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. These spices and paste not only create a robust flavor base but also give your Carne Guisada its signature depth. Sprinkle the flour on top and mix well to coat the vegetables evenly. This quick step is key to thickening the stew later on.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to keep everything smooth without lumps. Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles, then return the seared beef to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before lowering the heat. Cover and let it cook slowly for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow braising is what transforms the beef into tender perfection and blends all the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving Prep
Once your beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened into a rich gravy, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This final touch ensures every spoonful is bursting with balanced flavor. Your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is now ready to warm your soul!
How to Serve Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro sprinkled on top brightens up the hearty stew with a touch of herbal freshness. For a little tang, adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving can amplify those rich flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed white rice that soaks up the savory sauce, warm flour tortillas for scooping, or creamy mashed potatoes that add a luxurious texture contrast. Each accompaniment brings out a different aspect of the Carne Guisada’s comforting charm.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve this stew in individual mini Dutch ovens or charming rustic bowls to keep it hot and enticing. You can also use the Carne Guisada as a filling for tacos or burritos, topped with shredded cheese and fresh avocado slices for a fun twist on tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Carne Guisada cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, it stays delicious for up to 3 days and actually benefits from sitting—the flavors deepen and marry even more overnight.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even warming. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck is perfect due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round stew meat. Just make sure it’s a cut suitable for braising to ensure it becomes tender.
Is Carne Guisada spicy?
The spiciness level is mild to medium, thanks to chili powder and diced tomatoes with green chiles. If you prefer it hotter, feel free to add more chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when thickening the sauce, and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free. The dish will still be wonderfully flavorful.
What can I serve with Carne Guisada if I don’t want rice or potatoes?
Consider serving with warm tortillas or a simple garden salad to keep things light. Sautéed vegetables or refried beans also make delicious, hearty companions to this stew.
Can I prepare Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until tender. It’s a great hands-off alternative that yields equally satisfying results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a pot of Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe simmering on the stove, filling your home with irresistible aromas and the promise of a heartfelt meal. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find yourself making it again and again. It’s more than just food—it’s a cozy, flavorful experience that brings everyone together.
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Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using cornstarch instead of flour)
Description
Carne Guisada is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex braised beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich tomato and spice sauce. This comforting dish features a blend of aromatic spices, sautéed vegetables, and slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth. Perfect served over rice, with warm tortillas, or alongside mashed potatoes, it’s a delicious meal that brings authentic Latin American flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Spices
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (can substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free option)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
Optional Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef until browned on all sides, forming a crust. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pot, add chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Spices and Flour: Stir in tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and dried oregano until the vegetables are well coated with the spices. Sprinkle the flour evenly and stir well to coat the vegetables, which will help thicken the sauce later.
- Build the Sauce: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps from the flour. Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles to the pot and mix thoroughly.
- Braise the Beef: Return the seared beef to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef becomes tender and the sauce thickens and develops deep flavors.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot over white rice, with warm tortillas, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of beer or red wine when deglazing the pot after searing the beef.
- This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Cool completely before freezing and reheat gently.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftover carne guisada is excellent for burritos, tacos, or as a filling for empanadas.
