Why You’ll Love Carne Guisada Recipe
Carne Guisada is a rich, flavorful stew that turns simple beef into a melt-in-your-mouth meal. The beef cooks slowly, soaking up all the seasonings and tenderizing into a juicy, savory stew. Whether you cook it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe delivers the same amazing results.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Beef (stew beef or chuck steak)
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Oil (peanut oil or neutral-flavored oil)
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Onion (chopped)
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Bell pepper (chopped)
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Garlic (minced)
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Tomato (diced)
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Spices (salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder)
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Tomato paste
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Beef broth
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Flour (for thickening)
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Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
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Heat oil in a pot and cook the onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
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Add the beef and brown it on all sides.
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Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and cook for a few minutes. Then add flour, cooking until heated through.
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Pour in beef broth, season with spices, and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the beef is fork-tender.
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Adjust the consistency with water if necessary and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 1.5–2 hours
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Total time: 2 hours
Variations
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Add extra veggies: Include carrots, potatoes, or squash for added richness.
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Serve with toppings: Sour cream, avocado, fresh tomatoes, or hot sauce make great additions.
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Slow cooker or Instant Pot: You can also make this dish in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze the stew for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or brisket, but stew beef is ideal for this recipe.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work well in this recipe.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If the stew is too thin, add a slurry of flour and water and cook until thickened.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, after browning the meat and veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I add potatoes to the stew?
Yes, potatoes are a great addition! Add them during the simmering stage.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Carne Guisada tastes even better the next day and is perfect for meal prep.
How do I make this more flavorful?
Taste the stew as it simmers and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cumin.
Can I use a pressure cooker for this dish?
Yes, use the Instant Pot on high pressure for 30 minutes for a quicker version.
What should I serve with Carne Guisada?
Serve with rice, tortillas, or over mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
This Carne Guisada recipe is a fantastic way to turn a simple cut of beef into a flavorful, tender stew. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this dish is sure to impress with its rich, comforting flavors and hearty texture. Perfect for any occasion, Carne Guisada is a meal your family will love
Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
This Carne Guisada recipe features tender beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy with spices and vegetables. It’s a classic Latin American beef stew that is easy to prepare and can be made on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Beef (chuck steak or stew beef)
- Oil (peanut or neutral-flavored)
- Onion, bell pepper, garlic
- Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Flour (for thickening)
- Spices: cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper
- Cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add beef and brown on all sides.
- Stir in tomato paste, then add tomatoes and cook. Add flour and mix well.
- Pour in beef broth, season with spices, and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer until beef is fork-tender.
- Add water if needed to adjust consistency. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Customize with extra veggies like carrots or potatoes.
- Serve with toppings like sour cream, avocado, or hot sauce.
- Leftovers are even better the next day.
