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
Scale
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.
