Carne Guisada

This Carne Guisada recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef chunks simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. It’s perfect for serving over rice, with tortillas, or alongside beans. This comforting dish is easy to make and sure to please any crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Stew
• For Garnish
• How to Make Carne Guisada
• Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
• Step 2: Brown the Beef
• Step 3: Add Peppers
• Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Tomatoes
• Step 5: Thicken with Flour
• Step 6: Add Seasonings and Broth
• Step 7: Simmer the Stew
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Carne Guisada
• Over Rice
• With Tortillas
• Accompanied by Beans
• Topped with Cilantro
• With Avocado Slices
• Served with Lime Wedges
• How to Perfect Carne Guisada
• Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Carne Guisada
• Reheating Carne Guisada
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Carne Guisada?
• How do I make Carne Guisada more spicy?
• Can I use different cuts of meat for Carne Guisada?
• What can I serve with Carne Guisada?
• How long does it take to cook Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: This carne guisada is packed with delicious spices and fresh ingredients, delivering a robust taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up this meal without any culinary expertise.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, in tacos, or with warm tortillas for a meal that suits any occasion.
• Great for Meal Prep: Carne guisada stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or frozen meals.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make preparing your carne guisada smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for browning meat and simmering the stew evenly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Stew

• 2 ½ tablespoons oil
• 2 pounds chuck steak, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups beef broth

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Carne Guisada

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot:
1. Add the chopped onions.
2. Cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the cubed chuck steak to the pot:
1. Cook until browned on all sides.

Step 3: Add Peppers

Stir in the chopped bell peppers:
1. Cook for a couple of minutes until softened.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Tomatoes

Add tomato paste to the pot:
1. Cook for 1 minute.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle flour over the mixture:
1. Stir to combine.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes until flour is fully incorporated.

Step 6: Add Seasonings and Broth

Pour in beef broth:
1. Stir in salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low.

Step 7: Simmer the Stew

Cover the pot:
1. Let carne guisada simmer on low heat for 2 hours.
2. Stir occasionally; add water as needed to prevent thickness.

Step 8: Serve

Once meat is tender:
1. Serve carne guisada warm.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

How to Serve Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and toppings. You can enjoy it in different ways to suit your taste and occasion.

Over Rice

• Serve the carne guisada over a bed of fluffy white rice for a hearty meal that soaks up the rich gravy.

With Tortillas

• Use warm corn or flour tortillas to scoop up the beef stew. This makes for an excellent hand-held option, perfect for family gatherings.

Accompanied by Beans

• Pair carne guisada with refried beans or black beans. The creaminess of the beans complements the savory flavors of the stew.

Topped with Cilantro

• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.

With Avocado Slices

• Add slices of ripe avocado on the side. The creamy texture balances the rich beef flavors beautifully.

Served with Lime Wedges

• Offer lime wedges alongside your carne guisada for guests to squeeze over their portions, adding a zesty finish.

How to Perfect Carne Guisada

Creating the perfect carne guisada takes some attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Choose Quality Meat: Select well-marbled chuck steak for tenderness and flavor during cooking.
• Sear Properly: Brown the beef well to develop rich flavors in your stew; don’t rush this step.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and tomatoes will elevate the taste of your carne guisada significantly.
• Season Gradually: Adjust seasonings throughout cooking based on taste; this leads to a more balanced flavor profile.
• Let it Simmer: Allow the carne guisada to simmer low and slow; this helps tenderize the meat and melds all flavors together effectively.

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Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada

To complement your carne guisada, consider serving it with these delicious side dishes that enhance its flavors:

1. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
2. Cornbread: A sweet and moist cornbread adds a nice contrast to the hearty stew.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip provides a refreshing contrast and enhances flavor.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa offer a crunchy texture that balances the stew.
5. Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in lime vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection bring smokiness that complements carne guisada beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making carne guisada, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish every time.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the beef can lead to a less flavorful stew. Make sure to brown the meat well on all sides for depth of flavor.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or vegetables can lower the cooking temperature. Always use room temperature or warm ingredients for better results.
• Neglecting to Simmer: Rushing the cooking process by not allowing enough simmer time can leave the meat tough. Be patient and let it cook low and slow for tenderness.
• Overlooking Seasonings: Insufficient seasoning can dull flavors in your carne guisada. Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process to enhance flavor.
• Not Thinning the Gravy: If the gravy is too thick, it may not coat the meat properly. Add water or broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Let the stew cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Carne Guisada

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning into smaller containers for easy thawing.

Reheating Carne Guisada

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carne Guisada?

Carne guisada is a traditional Mexican beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich gravy, often served with rice or tortillas.

How do I make Carne Guisada more spicy?

To add heat, increase chili powder or add diced jalapeños during cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Can I use different cuts of meat for Carne Guisada?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round steak, but chuck steak is ideal for its tenderness when slow-cooked.

What can I serve with Carne Guisada?

This dish pairs well with rice, warm tortillas, or beans for a complete meal that satisfies.

How long does it take to cook Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?

In a slow cooker, carne guisada typically takes about 6-8 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high until tender.

Final Thoughts

Carne guisada is not only comforting but also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you enjoy it over rice or wrapped in tortillas, this dish is sure to impress. Try adding your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal twist!

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