Name: Carne Guisada Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round, cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion (chopped); 1 green bell pepper (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’ve ever craved a cozy, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug, Carne Guisada is exactly what you need. This Tex-Mex classic features tender chunks of beef stewed with savory spices, bell pepper, onion, and a lush, tomato-rich sauce that’s irresistible spooned over rice or wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a Sunday family dinner, Carne Guisada is that ultimate comfort dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Carne Guisada is how easily it comes together using a handful of kitchen staples. Each ingredient brings its own magic, creating a pot of stew that’s rich, satisfying, and full of personality.

Beef stew meat (2 pounds): Choose chuck or round, cut into 1-inch cubes—these cuts become fantastically tender after a slow simmer.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to sear the beef and start layering in flavor from the very beginning.
Onion, chopped (1 small): Adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth to the stew.
Green bell pepper, chopped (1): Lends color and a gentle earthiness that blends beautifully with the spices.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Because no hearty stew should be without a hint of garlicky goodness.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): The secret trick for a perfectly thick, silky sauce.
Beef broth (1 cup): Provides richness and gives the stew its irresistible body.
Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Brings a touch of tang and extra depth to the gravy.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): The earthy, unmistakable spice that defines Carne Guisada’s flavor.
Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle kick without too much heat, perfect for the whole family.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For just enough smoky warmth to round out the other spices.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon or more): Essential for drawing all the flavors together—taste and adjust as desired.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A classic finishing touch that adds a little sharpness to each bite.

How to Make Carne Guisada

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your cubed beef, working in batches if the pan is crowded. The goal here is to get a delicious brown crust on the meat—this quick sear adds a deep, savory flavor that’s the backbone of every bite. Set the browned beef aside on a plate as you work through all the pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, toss in your chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 3 to 4 minutes. At this stage, you’re building the aromatic base—letting those vegetables soften and release their sweetness makes a huge difference in the final flavor of the Carne Guisada.

Step 3: Add Flour for Thickening

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes so the flour loses its raw taste. This step is key for that rich, velvety sauce that clings to every morsel of beef!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Now, return your beautifully browned beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until combined—already, your kitchen will start to smell like something magical is on the way.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then lower the heat so your Carne Guisada simmers very softly. Cover and let it bubble away for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where the magic happens—the beef turns unbelievably tender, and the sauce gets thicker and richer, transforming into pure comfort food. Stir occasionally and check the seasoning at the end, adding a touch more salt or pepper if needed.

How to Serve Carne Guisada

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up a bowl of Carne Guisada like the right garnish. Sprinkle on fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or even sliced jalapeños if you like a touch of heat. A little cotija or shredded cheddar cheese can also add a playful Tex-Mex twist.

Side Dishes

Traditional Carne Guisada begs to be paired with sides like fluffy white rice, refried beans, or creamy mashed potatoes. And, of course, there’s no beating the satisfaction of scooping it up with warm flour tortillas. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad also works beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

While serving Carne Guisada in a big bowl is always a hit, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try spooning it inside tacos, piling it atop nachos, or using it as a hearty filling for baked sweet potatoes. If you’re hosting, set up a Carne Guisada bar with toppings and sides, so everyone can customize their own plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Carne Guisada is just as fantastic the next day, if not better! Let leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making for an extra tasty quick lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This dish is a dream to make ahead. Simply portion your cooled Carne Guisada into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Label your containers with the date, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce needs loosening. Alternatively, you can heat single servings in the microwave, stirring every minute or so to ensure even warmth.

FAQs

What type Main Course

Chuck or round is ideal for Carne Guisada, as these cuts melt into tender, flavorful bites after slow cooking. Be sure to cut into 1-inch cubes for the best texture.

Can I make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, combine everything in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce is thickened to your liking.

How spicy is this Carne Guisada recipe?

This version is mild with just a hint of warmth from the chili powder. You can turn up the heat by adding chopped jalapeño, extra chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce.

Is Carne Guisada gluten-free?

If you swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative (like rice flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend), this dish can be made gluten-free. Always check your broth and tomato sauce labels as well!

Can I use beer instead of some of the beef broth?

Yes! Replacing part of the beef broth with your favorite beer adds an extra layer of flavor and depth, making for an even more complex and interesting Carne Guisada.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sharing a big pot of Carne Guisada with people you care about. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or make it your own with a spicy twist or creative presentation, this Tex-Mex favorite always delivers comfort in every spoonful. Next time you’re longing for a dish that brings everyone to the table, give Carne Guisada a try—you might just discover a new family tradition!

Carne Guisada Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful Tex-Mex beef stew known as Carne Guisada. Tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with peppers and spices, perfect for serving with warm tortillas, rice, or beans.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Stew:

2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round, cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion (chopped)
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Sauce:

1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, working in batches if needed. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Cook Stew: Return beef to the pan, add beef broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered on low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Carne Guisada with tortillas, rice, or beans.