Carne Guisada is a hearty beef stew that’s packed with flavor! It mixes tender beef with spices, tomatoes, and peppers to create a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any day.
This dish is like a hug in a bowl! I love to serve it with rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal. You might even want to make a little extra—trust me, it’s that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast or brisket works great here. If you’re looking for leaner options, consider using sirloin. This will still yield tender results when cooked low and slow!
Vegetable Oil: I prefer using olive oil for its flavor, but any high-heat oil like canola or sunflower will also do the trick. Butter is also a nice choice for extra richness.
Onions: Yellow onions are best for their sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, white onions or even shallots can work as substitutes without losing too much flavor.
Broth: Homemade beef broth is great if you have it on hand, but low-sodium store-bought broth is a good backup. You can also use chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
Vegetables: Although potatoes and carrots are traditional, feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn. They all add a different flavor and texture!
How Can I Make Sure My Beef is Tender?
The key to tender meat in carne guisada is the slow cooking process. When you brown the beef first, you’re not just adding flavor—this step helps to lock in moisture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning; work in batches if needed.
- Use a good-quality pot like a Dutch oven that retains heat evenly.
- Simmer on low heat for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to break down the meat fibers. Patience is key!
Check for tenderness by poking with a fork; it should fall apart easily. If it’s not there yet, give it more time. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Delicious Carne Guisada
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty dish will take about 15 minutes to prep and 2 hours to cook. The simmering time helps the flavors meld and the beef become tender, so be sure to plan for some patience as it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning 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 chunks, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes. After browning, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same pot, lower the heat a bit and add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Stir for another minute or until everything is fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
3. Building the Stew:
Now, it’s time to return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring it all together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
4. Adding Vegetables:
About 30 minutes before the beef is done, toss in the potato chunks and sliced carrots. Stir everything well, cover, and continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender. This is when they soak up all those delicious flavors!
5. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you like a little kick, add the sliced jalapeños at this stage, too. Give it a good stir!
6. Serving:
Serve the carne guisada hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side. This stew pairs perfectly with warm tortillas or a side of steamed white rice, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your homemade Carne Guisada—a warm and comforting dish bursting with flavors that will surely delight everyone at the table!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal, you can also use cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or even sirloin. Just remember that tougher cuts benefit from slow cooking to become tender.
How Can I Thicken the Stew?
If you’d like a thicker consistency, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with equal parts water to make a slurry and stir it in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, simply let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Can I Make Carne Guisada in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! To make it in a slow cooker, follow the browning step on the stove, then transfer everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s a great hands-off way to prepare this dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months—just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.
