Carne Guisada is a cozy, meaty stew full of yummy flavors! It features tender beef chunks simmered in a tasty sauce with tomatoes, peppers, and spices that warm you right up.
It’s perfect for family dinners, and I love serving it over rice or with warm tortillas. Trust me, you’ll want to scoop every last bit onto your plate! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Use chuck roast for the best results. It’s tender and full of flavor when cooked slowly. You can substitute it with brisket or round cuts if preferred.
Vegetable Oil: This is used for searing. You could use canola or olive oil instead. I find that olive oil adds an extra rich flavor.
Onion: Yellow onions are excellent for sweetness, but white or red onions work too. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder as a quick substitute!
Bell Pepper: Red or yellow bell peppers add nice color. If you need a substitute, try using green bell pepper or even poblano for a slightly different taste.
Tomato Sauce: If you don’t have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or even diced tomatoes will do. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
How Can You Get the Beef Perfectly Tender?
Getting the beef tender is crucial for a good Carne Guisada. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by searing the beef in hot oil. This locks in the juices and adds a nice flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering! Low and slow cooking for 1.5 to 2 hours lets the meat absorb flavors and breaks down tough fibers.
- Adding a flour slurry near the end helps thicken the sauce while also giving the beef a nice, hearty texture.
Patience is key! Allow it to simmer, and you’ll have a delicious dish to enjoy with rice or tortillas.
How to Make Delicious Carne Guisada?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fabulous Carne Guisada takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 2 hours of simmering. That’s right—just a bit of chopping and stirring, and then let the magic happen while it cooks! Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef chunks and sear them for about 5-7 minutes, letting them brown on all sides. Once they’re browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cooking the Veggies:
In the same pan, toss in the sliced onions and bell pepper. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 4-5 minutes until they soften. The aroma will fill your kitchen—so lovely!
3. Adding Garlic and Saucy Goodness:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell the deliciousness. Next, add the tomato sauce, beef broth, ground cumin, paprika, optional chili powder, black pepper, salt, and oregano. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Return the browned beef back into the skillet. Cover with a lid, reducing the heat to low, and let it simmer gently. You want it to bubble just a little, not boil.
5. Simmering to Perfection:
Let everything simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until that beef is super tender and flavorful. About 15 minutes before it’s fully cooked, mix the all-purpose flour with a little water to make a slurry, and stir it into the stew. This will thicken up that savory sauce.
6. Finishing Touches:
After simmering uncovered for any remaining time until the sauce thickens, it’s time to serve! Garnish with fresh cilantro and add some lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch.
7. Serving:
Serve this delightful Carne Guisada hot, alongside fluffy white rice or warm tortillas to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite—this dish is a comforting delight!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for Carne Guisada?
Absolutely! While stew meat or chuck roast is preferred for tenderness, you can also use brisket or round cuts. Just remember that cooking time might vary slightly based on the cut’s thickness.
How Can I Make Carne Guisada Spicier?
To add some heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers in the mix. For an added kick, consider using a pinch of cayenne pepper, too!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Carne Guisada tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What Should I Serve with Carne Guisada?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, but you could also serve it with warm tortillas for making delicious tacos. A side of refried beans or a fresh salad can complement it nicely, too!
