Authentic Carne Guisada
Carne guisada is a slow-cooked Mexican and Tex-Mex beef stew with tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat and a rich, spiced gravy.
Ingredients
Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Spices:
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquid Base:
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced
Cooking Oil:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
Garnishes (optional):
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the Beef: Cut the beef chuck or stew meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Aromatics: Dice onions, bell peppers, and mince the garlic.
Brown the Beef
- Heat Oil: Add vegetable oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high.
- Sear Beef: Brown the beef in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side, to avoid overcrowding. Remove and set aside.
Build the Base
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Toast Spices: Stir in cumin, chilli powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance their aroma.
- Deglaze with Tomato Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release browned bits.
Simmer the Stew
- Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the skillet and pour in the beef broth, ensuring the meat is fully submerged.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Optional Add-Ins: Add potatoes, carrots, or jalapeños during the last 45 minutes of cooking.
- Check for Tenderness: The beef should be fork-tender, and the gravy should be thickened. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 340kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
