If you crave a deeply savory, comforting beef stew that warms your soul and brings everyone to the table, Carne Guisada is exactly what you need! This beloved classic from Mexican and Tex-Mex kitchens simmers tender beef in a luscious, spiced gravy, loaded with veggies and just the right blend of seasonings. Whether you pile it into tortillas or spoon it over rice, Carne Guisada is pure, cozy magic in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Rich Flavor: Every bite is steeped in deep, beefy goodness thanks to perfectly seared meat and a slow-cooked, spice-infused gravy.
- Completely Cozy Comfort Food: Carne Guisada was made for chilly evenings, family gatherings, and anyone who wants their meal to give them a hug.
- Easy to Customize: Swap the beef, amp up the spice, or add potatoes—this stew is endlessly adaptable to your tastes and pantry staples!
- Even Better Next Day: Leftovers taste phenomenal, making this perfect for meal prep or surprising your future self with a delicious lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Carne Guisada lies in its simplicity—each ingredient pulls its weight, building up a broth that’s hearty, aromatic, and wonderfully complex. Every vegetable and spice plays a role, so use the best you can find for irresistibly rich results!
- Olive oil or vegetable oil: This helps brown the beef for irresistible flavor and prevents sticking.
- Stew meat (beef chuck is best), cut in 1-inch cubes: The marbling melts into tender bites with melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Onion, chopped: Provides a savory-sweet backbone for the gravy.
- Green bell pepper, chopped: Adds subtle earthiness and color to the stew.
- Garlic, minced: Brightens every bite with deep, mouthwatering aroma.
- Roma tomatoes, diced: Fresh tomatoes create a lovely, tangy-sweet base for the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Season your stew generously to pull all the flavors forward.
- Cumin, ground: The essential spice for warmth and a distinctive Carne Guisada depth.
- Chili powder: Brings gentle heat and a signature savory complexity.
- Tomato paste: For richer color and deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Beef bouillon cube: Intensifies that classic beefiness in every spoonful.
- All-purpose flour: Just a sprinkle thickens the sauce to perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
- Beef broth, low sodium: The flavorful liquid that brings it all together—low sodium lets you control the seasoning.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish: Adds a pop of herbal freshness right at the end.
Variations
Carne Guisada is the kind of dish that welcomes creativity with open arms! Make it your own by swapping ingredients for what you have, or adapting it for your favorite flavors and dietary needs—it never disappoints.
- Add Potatoes: Toss in cubed potatoes during simmering for a heartier, more filling stew—perfect for soaking up extra gravy.
- Turn Up the Heat: Craving spicy? Stir in hot chili powder, cayenne, or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a bolder kick.
- Beer for Broth: Swap some (or all) of the beef broth for a dark Mexican beer; the result is richer and slightly malty, with amazing depth.
- Go Low-Carb: Skip the flour and potatoes to keep things light, saucy, and naturally gluten-free.
- Try Pork or Chicken: Not a beef eater? This recipe works with pork shoulder or boneless chicken thighs—just adjust cooking time for tenderness.
How to Make Carne Guisada
Step 1: Sear the Beef
This step makes all the difference! Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven, then add your beef cubes in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Sear each piece until it’s bronzed and caramelized on all sides—these tasty brown bits are the foundation of classic Carne Guisada flavor. Set browned beef aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
Drizzle in a little more oil. Sauté the onion and green bell pepper for about 3 minutes, just until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook one minute longer, then toss in the chopped tomatoes and let everything simmer together for another minute to build that savory base.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Add salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder to the veggie mixture, stirring so everything’s coated. Drop in your tomato paste and crumble in the bouillon cube—then, with a wooden spoon, scrape up those dark, delicious bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where all that savory intensity comes alive!
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour evenly over the veggies and cook for 1–2 minutes. This little trick removes any raw flour taste and helps thicken your stew. Pour in about 1 cup of beef broth and stir; you’ll see the sauce start to thicken as the flour works its magic.
Step 5: Simmer Low & Slow
Return the seared beef (along with any juices) to the pan. Add another 2 cups or so of beef broth, stir well, cover, and lower the heat. Let your Carne Guisada simmer for at least 1½ hours—sometimes a bit longer—until the meat is fork-tender and the gravy is rich and glossy. Stir occasionally, adding extra broth if the sauce gets too thick.
Step 6: Taste, Garnish & Serve
Give your stew one final taste for salt and pepper, adjust the seasoning if you like, and shower with freshly chopped cilantro. Spoon your Carne Guisada over fluffy rice or tuck it into warm tortillas—don’t forget to ladle on plenty of that luscious gravy!
Pro Tips for Making Carne Guisada
- Sear Don’t Steam: For maximum flavor, brown your beef in batches—crowding the pan leads to steaming, not the beautiful crust that defines great Carne Guisada.
- Choose the Right Cut: Well-marbled chuck or stew meat yields the most tender, luscious results after hours of gentle simmering.
- Low and Slow is Key: Don’t rush it—the longer your stew simmers, the more the beef softens and the richer your homemade gravy becomes.
- Adjust the Gravy’s Thickness: For extra gravy, stir in more beef broth as needed; if you want it thicker, a little extra flour does the trick.
How to Serve Carne Guisada
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic finish for Carne Guisada, and its bright flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich stew. Try an extra sprinkle of diced onions or a squeeze of lime juice for tangy lift—if you like cheese, a bit of crumbly queso fresco is always welcome, too!
Side Dishes
Rice is a natural partner, soaking up all of that luscious gravy. Warm flour tortillas make the ultimate scooping vessel—or serve with beans for an extra-hardy meal. A simple salad or pickled jalapeños on the side add a pop of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond bowls and plates, try spooning Carne Guisada into crispy taco shells, layering over nachos, or tucking it inside breakfast burritos for next-level leftovers. Elegantly serve “mini” Carne Guisada in small ramekins as an appetizer at your next dinner party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let Carne Guisada cool before storing in an airtight container. It keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for 3–5 days, and the flavors just keep getting better as everything mingles together.
Freezing
This stew is a freezer superstar! Transfer cooled Carne Guisada to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and tuck away for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—the sauce holds up beautifully.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy seems thick. For smaller portions, the microwave works great—simply cover and warm in short bursts, stirring often, until piping hot.
FAQs
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Can I make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the beef and cook the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth, seasonings, and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until the beef is beautifully tender.
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What cut of beef is best for Carne Guisada?
Chuck roast is the top choice thanks to its marbling, but any cut labeled “stew meat” will work. Just be sure to simmer long enough so it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender!
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How do I make Carne Guisada gravy thicker or thinner?
For thicker gravy, add a little more flour or let it simmer uncovered so some liquid evaporates. For thinner gravy, simply stir in extra beef broth until you reach your perfect consistency.
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Is Carne Guisada spicy?
The traditional version is savory and mild, but you can absolutely make it spicy by adding hot chili powder, cayenne, or even a diced jalapeño to suit your preference.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Carne Guisada enough—it’s a soul-soothing dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight gathering. Gather your loved ones and savor the unmatched comfort and flavor of this classic stew; you might just find it becomes one of your own family’s favorite traditions!
Print
Carne Guisada Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Carne Guisada is a traditional Mexican beef stew packed with flavor from a blend of spices, vegetables, and slow-cooked tender beef. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal with rice or tortillas.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
Veggies:
- 1 large onion or 2 small onions, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large roma tomatoes, diced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- 3–4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Additional:
- 3–4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the beef: Brown the stew meat in olive oil, then set aside.
- Cook the veggies: Saute onions, bell pepper, garlic, and tomatoes.
- Add seasonings: Incorporate salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, tomato paste, and beef bouillon.
- Create the gravy: Mix in flour, then gradually add beef broth to thicken.
- Cook the stew: Simmer beef in the gravy for 1.5 hours until tender.
- Garnish and serve: Adjust seasoning, garnish with cilantro, and serve with rice and tortillas.
Notes
- Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor.
- Potatoes can be added for a heartier stew.
- Beer can be used for a richer taste.
- Cooking time varies based on beef cut and cube size.
- Adjust spice level to preference.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
