Name: Carne Guisada Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 tablespoons oil; 2 pounds chuck steak (cubed); 1 large onion (chopped); 1 large bell pepper (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 large tomatoes (diced); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 2 cups beef broth

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, deeply flavorful stew that brings warmth to any table, Carne Guisada is exactly what you need. This beloved dish, rooted in Latin American and Tex-Mex kitchens, features tender chunks of beef slow-simmered in a savory sauce fragrant with spices. Each spoonful offers rich, comforting flavors with just the right hit of vegetables and aromatics. It’s the sort of meal that draws people in with its irresistible aroma and keeps them gathered around the table until the very last bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of any good Carne Guisada lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital, unmistakable role in building layers of taste. Get ready to gather up a handful of staples that, when combined, become something unforgettable.

Oil: A neutral oil like canola or vegetable is perfect for browning the beef and sautéing veggies, setting the flavor foundation.
Chuck steak (cubed): Choose a well-marbled cut; it breaks down beautifully during braising, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat.
Large onion (chopped): Onions add a savory sweetness and help create a rich, robust base for the gravy.
Large bell pepper (chopped): Green or red peppers lend color and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
Garlic (minced): Always fresh if possible; it brings depth and aroma that instantly perks up the stew.
Tomato paste: A little goes a long way, adding a punch of umami and thickening the sauce.
Large tomatoes (diced): Fresh tomatoes give brightness and a bit of natural acidity, transforming the sauce as it simmers.
All-purpose flour: This ensures the sauce thickens up to that signature stew-like consistency.
Salt: Essential seasoning that wakes up every element of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a mellow heat that complements the other spices.
Ground cumin: Earthy and warm, it’s a secret weapon in the flavor department.
Chili powder: Not too hot, but enough to give the Carne Guisada a subtle kick and rich color.
Beef broth: Don’t skip this! It deglazes the pan and infuses every morsel with full-bodied, beefy goodness.

How to Make Carne Guisada

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start off by heating the oil over medium heat in a sturdy pot or Dutch oven. Toss in the chopped onions and let them cook until they turn translucent and release their natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic, cooking just until it’s fragrant—never let it burn, since that could turn your whole stew bitter. Together, these aromatics set up the savory base your Carne Guisada needs.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Soften the Peppers

Increase the heat just a bit before adding the cubed chuck steak straight into the pot. Let the meat brown on all sides; this step builds deep flavor, so take your time and avoid crowding the pan. Once you see a beautiful caramelized crust on the beef, add in your chopped bell peppers. Give everything a good stir and cook for a few more minutes, just until the peppers begin to soften.

Step 3: Tomato Paste and Tomatoes Join the Party

Spoon in the tomato paste and stir it around for about a minute, letting it toast ever so slightly. This deepens its flavor—a little chef’s trick! Follow with the diced tomatoes, letting them cook down to add both tang and moisture. By now, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

Step 4: Add Flour and Start Building the Stew

Sprinkle the flour evenly over everything in the pot, stirring well to coat all the beef and vegetables. This will give your stew that signature, luxurious thickness. Now, pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture up to a gentle boil. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 5: Slow Simmer to Perfection

Turn the heat down low, pop the lid on your pot, and let the Carne Guisada bubble away gently for about two hours. Stir occasionally, checking on the consistency—if it gets too thick, a little water will loosen things up. This long, slow cook is what transforms the beef into ultra-tender bites swimming in a sauce packed with flavor.

Step 6: Time to Serve the Carne Guisada

Once the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is velvety, your Carne Guisada is ready to serve. Dish it up hot, ideally with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. All that’s left is to enjoy the feast!

How to Serve Carne Guisada

Garnishes

A good garnish does more than look pretty—it adds freshness and offers a flavor contrast. Chopped cilantro is a classic choice, but a squeeze of lime or a scattering of diced onions can brighten up your Carne Guisada beautifully. Even a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco can take it to another level.

Side Dishes

Nothing soaks up the luscious sauce of Carne Guisada better than fluffy white rice or homemade flour tortillas. For a true feast, pair it with a side of refried beans, Mexican street corn, or spicy roasted potatoes. These sides help round out the meal and make it extra satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! You can serve Carne Guisada tucked inside tacos, spooned over crispy tostadas, or even as a savory filling for empanadas. It also makes a superb burrito stuffing. Don’t be afraid to get playful and make it your own signature dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Carne Guisada in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to four days, and in fact, the flavors often become even richer after a little time to meld together.

Freezing

Carne Guisada freezes like a dream! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. It will stay tasty for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before popping it in the freezer to protect the texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your Carne Guisada gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and use medium power to keep the beef tender.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Carne Guisada?

Chuck steak is my top choice for Carne Guisada because its marbling breaks down during a long simmer, yielding fork-tender beef and extraordinary flavor. Stew meat or brisket are good alternatives, just make sure you give them plenty of time to get tender.

Can I make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker, pour in the broth, and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The result is just as delicious, with minimal hands-on time.

Is Carne Guisada spicy?

Carne Guisada gets a gentle heat from chili powder, but it’s not generally fiery. If you want more kick, add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño. If you prefer it milder, just go easy on the spice or skip the chili powder altogether.

Can I prepare Carne Guisada ahead of time?

Yes, and I highly recommend it! Carne Guisada tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat before serving for an easy, stress-free meal.

What’s the difference between Carne Guisada and Carne Asada?

Carne Guisada is a simmered beef stew with a rich, saucy base, while Carne Asada features grilled or seared steak, typically marinated with citrus and spices. Think of them as delicious cousins, each with their own unique charm.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a big pot of Carne Guisada simmering on the stove, filling your home with its inviting aroma. If you’ve never tried making it at home, there’s no better time than now—this recipe is simple, rewarding, and sure to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and savor every bite of this comforting classic!

Carne Guisada Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Carne Guisada is a traditional Latin American beef stew that is savory, comforting, and full of rich flavors. This recipe results in tender chunks of beef simmered in a flavorful broth with aromatic vegetables and spices, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.

Instructions

Heat the oil: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cook until translucent and fragrant.
Cook the meat: Brown the cubed steak in the pot. Add peppers, cook until softened.
Add flavor: Stir in tomato paste, then add tomatoes. Cook briefly.
Thicken the stew: Sprinkle flour, pour in broth, season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
Simmer: Cover and let the stew simmer for 2 hours, adding water as needed.
Serve: Once meat is tender, serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Latin American