Carne Guisada is a hearty beef stew loaded with tender meat and tasty spices. It’s super comforting, making it perfect for any family meal!
You’ll love how easy it is to make—just let it simmer and your house will smell amazing! I like to serve mine with warm tortillas for some extra fun. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: For tenderness, use chuck roast or brisket. If you’re looking for a leaner option, round cuts work too, but they may not be as tender. I’ve found chuck to be the most flavorful and tender when cooked slowly.
Vegetable Oil: You can use olive oil for a richer flavor or any neutral oil like canola or sunflower if you prefer. Sometimes, I mix in a little butter for added richness!
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for this stew, but you can swap them for Yukon Gold for a creamier texture. Sweet potatoes could also work well if you want a hint of sweetness.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can substitute. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly. If you’re low on time, water plus a bouillon cube will work too!
Flour: For a gluten-free option, try using cornstarch instead. Just mix it with water and stir it in as you would with flour. It should thicken up nicely!
How Do I Achieve Tender, Flavorful Beef?
Browning the beef is key to building flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your pot to medium-high. Ensure it’s hot enough before adding the oil and beef to get a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. If necessary, brown the beef in batches to develop that nice browned crust.
- After browning, let the beef rest before adding it back to the pot to keep it juicy.
Letting the stew simmer low and slow is crucial for tender meat. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld, making it taste even better!
What Should I Know About Thickeners?
If you’re looking for that perfect sauciness, here’s what you should consider:
- If using flour, mix it with water to make a slurry. This will help avoid lumps in your stew.
- Add the slurry at the end of cooking. This keeps the thickening effect effective without overcooking.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning after thickening—sometimes, a thicker sauce can mute flavors!
These tips should help you make the best Carne Guisada ever! Enjoy every delicious bite!
How to Make Carne Guisada
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Thickening (optional):
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp water
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-30 minutes of prep time and around 2 to 2.5 hours of cooking time, including simmering and thickening. It’s mostly hands-off once you get everything going, so you can enjoy the wonderful aroma as it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the beef cubes. Let them cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mixture is fragrant. This step builds great flavor for your stew!
3. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Then add the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, along with salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine all those delicious flavors.
4. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. Leave it to simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
5. Add Vegetables:
After the beef is tender, it’s time to add the potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper if you’re using it. Stir them into the stew, cover again, and let it simmer for another 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the flour with the water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into your stew and let it cook for an extra 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
7. Final Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste your Carne Guisada and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. You want it to be flavorful!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. It’s great with a scoop of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your warm and comforting Carne Guisada! It’s a dish that brings happiness in every bite.
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for Carne Guisada?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is commonly used, cuts like chuck roast or brisket are excellent choices as they become tender when simmered. Just avoid very lean cuts, as they may not become as tender and flavorful.
Can I Make Carne Guisada Ahead of Time?
Yes, Carne Guisada actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can mix in or substitute with other vegetables like green beans, sweet potatoes, or even corn if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so add firmer vegetables earlier in the simmering process.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-friendly container.
