Carne Guisada
My carne guisada recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef chunks in the most incredible gravy ever. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make and even easier to eat! With its rich flavors and hearty texture, carne guisada stands out as a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With only a few minutes of prep, you can set this dish to simmer while you relax.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a savory gravy that is simply irresistible.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it over rice, with tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos—perfect for any occasion!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the tender meat and flavorful sauce.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy meals throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started, gather your kitchen essentials. Having the right tools makes cooking carne guisada smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and allows for plenty of room to stir ingredients without spilling.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing without scratching your pot, plus it offers better grip while stirring hot ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 2 pounds chuck steak (cubed)
For the Vegetables
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes (diced)
For Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
For Cooking
- 2 cups beef broth
How to Make Carne Guisada
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Begin by heating oil in a pot over medium heat. Once hot, add onions and cook until they become translucent. Add garlic and continue cooking until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Then, add peppers and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Next, add tomatoes to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Add flour to the pot and cook until heated through. Pour in the beef broth and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed to keep the mixture from getting too thick.
Step 6: Serve
Once the meat is tender, serve the carne guisada warm. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
This hearty carne guisada is not only delicious but also simple enough to make any day of the week!
How to Serve Carne Guisada
Carne guisada is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with accompaniments, there are plenty of ways to serve this delicious beef stew.
With Rice
- Serve your carne guisada over a bed of fluffy white rice for a hearty meal that absorbs the savory gravy.
In Tacos
- Spoon the tender meat into warm corn tortillas and top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious taco experience.
With Tortillas
- Use fresh flour or corn tortillas to scoop up the carne guisada, making it a fun and interactive meal.
Over Mashed Potatoes
- Pair carne guisada with creamy mashed potatoes for a comfort food twist that complements the rich flavors of the stew.
As Nachos
- Layer tortilla chips with carne guisada, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a tasty nacho platter perfect for sharing.
With Beans
- Serve alongside refried or black beans to add protein and fiber, rounding out your meal nicely.
How to Perfect Carne Guisada
Getting your carne guisada just right can elevate your dish from good to incredible. Here are some tips to ensure perfection.
- Choose the right cut: Use chuck steak or brisket for tender meat that holds up well during cooking.
- Sear properly: Browning the meat before adding other ingredients enhances the flavor through caramelization.
- Cook low and slow: Allowing the carne guisada to simmer for several hours lets the flavors meld and makes the meat fall-apart tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference for a personalized flavor.
- Add acidity: A splash of vinegar or lime juice at the end brightens the dish, balancing out its richness.
- Garnish wisely: Fresh cilantro or diced avocado on top adds freshness and color to your finished dish.
Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada
Pairing side dishes with carne guisada can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the stew’s rich flavor.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds a refreshing contrast that balances the spices in carne guisada.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime makes for a festive side.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains provide a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory beef.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds brightness and crunch.
- Chips & Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa make for an easy appetizer before diving into your main dish.
- Coleslaw: A light coleslaw offers a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the tender beef stew.
- Cornbread: Soft cornbread is perfect for soaking up all that flavorful gravy while adding a touch of sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making carne guisada can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor. Make sure to sear the meat well before adding other ingredients.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Adding vegetables too early can cause them to become mushy. Add them at the right time for a perfect texture.
- Not seasoning enough: Carne guisada needs seasoning to shine. Taste and adjust spices as you go for optimal flavor.
- Using low-quality meat: The quality of your beef matters. Choose good cuts like chuck steak for the best results.
- Ignoring simmering time: Simmering is key for tender meat. Allow enough time for your carne guisada to develop rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture build-up.
Freezing Carne Guisada
- Freeze in a leak-proof container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Carne guisada can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Carne Guisada
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until warmed through, adding water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carne Guisada?
Carne guisada is a traditional Mexican beef stew made with tender chunks of meat simmered in a flavorful gravy.
How do I make carne guisada thicker?
To thicken carne guisada, mix a bit of flour with cold water and stir it into the stew during cooking.
Can I use another type of meat for carne guisada?
Yes, you can substitute beef with pork or chicken, but cooking times may vary depending on the meat used.
How long does carne guisada last in the fridge?
Properly stored carne guisada will last about 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can I make carne guisada ahead of time?
Absolutely! Carne guisada tastes even better when made ahead as the flavors meld together during storage.
Final Thoughts
This carne guisada recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. The tender beef and rich gravy make it a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste!
Carne Guisada
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this carne guisada recipe, where tender chunks of beef simmer in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and will quickly become a favorite at your table. The combination of spices, vegetables, and slow-cooked beef creates an irresistible meal that pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or even as a filling for tacos. Enjoy the delightful aroma as it fills your kitchen and savor each bite of this hearty stew.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chuck steak (cubed)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, ground cumin, chili powder
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent; then add minced garlic.
- Add cubed beef to the pot, browning on all sides. Stir in bell peppers and cook briefly until softened.
- Incorporate tomato paste and diced tomatoes into the mixture; stir for a minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook briefly before adding beef broth and seasonings: salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once meat is tender, serve warm garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
