Carne Guisada
My carne guisada recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef chunks in the most incredible gravy ever. It’s easy to make and even easier to eat! This delicious dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy night in. The rich flavors and comforting aroma will have everyone gathering around the table. Plus, it’s an authentic Mexican recipe that showcases the best of hearty home cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip this up without any fuss.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow cooking creates a mouthwatering gravy that enhances the taste of the beef.
- Versatile Dish: Serve carne guisada with rice, tortillas, or over nachos for a delightful meal any time of the week.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this dish tastes even better the next day!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish, making it a hit at any family gathering.
Tools and Preparation
To create your carne guisada, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy pot or Dutch oven: Ensures even cooking and helps develop deep flavors as the beef simmers.
- Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for preparing your vegetables and meat.
- Sharp knife: Makes cutting through meat and veggies effortless, saving you time in prep.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while mixing ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Beef Base
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 2 pounds chuck steak (cubed)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For Flavoring
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
For Cooking
- 2 cups beef broth
How to Make Carne Guisada
Step 1: Heat Oil
Begin by heating oil in a pot over medium heat. Once hot, add chopped onions and cook until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add cubed chuck steak to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides. Then, include chopped bell peppers and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften.
Step 3: Add Tomato Ingredients
Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Next, add diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for a couple more minutes until they break down slightly.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew
Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir to combine. Pour in beef broth along with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer
Cover the pot and let your carne guisada simmer for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; add water if needed to keep it from getting too thick.
Step 6: Serve
Once your meat is tender, serve the carne guisada warm. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor!
How to Serve Carne Guisada
Carne guisada is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or looking for lighter options, there are plenty of delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
With Rice
- Serve carne guisada over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice absorbs the savory gravy, making each bite delightful.
In Tacos
- Use warm corn or flour tortillas to create delicious carne guisada tacos. Top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
With Tortillas
- Accompany your carne guisada with freshly made flour or corn tortillas. These can be used to scoop up the stew or as a side to complement the dish.
On Nachos
- Layer tortilla chips with carne guisada, cheese, and jalapeños for a flavorful nacho platter. Bake until the cheese is melted for a tasty snack or appetizer.
Over Mashed Potatoes
- Serve carne guisada over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. The richness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the beef and gravy.
As a Burrito Filling
- Wrap carne guisada in a large flour tortilla with beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a filling burrito option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
How to Perfect Carne Guisada
To ensure your carne guisada turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose the right cut of meat: Chuck steak is ideal for this recipe as it becomes tender during slow cooking and adds great flavor.
- Brown the meat well: Take time to brown the beef chunks properly before simmering. This step enhances the overall taste of your carne guisada.
- Let it simmer: Patience is key! Allowing the stew to simmer low and slow will ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference.
- Add fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
- Make it ahead: Carne guisada often tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada
Carne guisada pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:
- Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds color and flavor to your plate.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans make a satisfying side that balances out the meal’s richness.
- Guacamole: Fresh avocado mashed with lime, onion, and cilantro provides a cool contrast to the savory stew.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad mixed with lime juice and spices offers a bright side dish that’s easy to prepare.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and onions can add a smoky element that pairs nicely with carne guisada.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime makes a deliciously indulgent side.
- Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw drizzled with vinaigrette adds texture and freshness to balance out the flavors.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides comfort and can be served cold alongside hot carne guisada.
These sides will enhance your carne guisada experience while offering variety to your meal!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making carne guisada can be a rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using the wrong cut of meat: Choosing lean cuts instead of chuck steak can result in tough meat. Always opt for tougher cuts that will become tender through slow cooking.
- Not browning the meat properly: Skipping the browning step means missing out on deep flavors. Take your time to brown the beef on all sides for a richer taste.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Carne guisada needs a long, slow simmer for tender results. Keep an eye on the timing to ensure the meat is perfectly cooked.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season adequately can lead to bland stew. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings for maximum flavor.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using canned or dried vegetables instead of fresh can compromise texture and taste. Always use fresh vegetables when possible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Carne Guisada
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Carne Guisada
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, usually around 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about carne guisada that may help enhance your cooking experience.
What is Carne Guisada?
Carne guisada is a traditional Mexican beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a flavorful gravy. It’s perfect for family dinners.
How can I customize my Carne Guisada?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra nutrition. Adjust spices based on your heat preference as well!
Can I use other meats for Carne Guisada?
While beef is traditional, you can also use pork or chicken as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What should I serve with Carne Guisada?
Serve with rice or warm tortillas. It pairs wonderfully with beans and fresh salsa too!
Final Thoughts
This carne guisada recipe is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and comforting. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy weeknight dinners, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try and savor the rich flavors in every bite!
Carne Guisada
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Experience the heartwarming flavors of Carne Guisada, a traditional Mexican beef stew that promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chunks of chuck steak simmered slowly in a rich, savory gravy infused with spices and fresh vegetables. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, Carne Guisada showcases the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine. Serve it over rice, wrap it in tortillas, or enjoy it on nachos for a versatile meal that everyone will love. With its delightful aroma and mouthwatering taste, this dish is bound to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 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
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Cook chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic.
- Add cubed chuck steak and brown on all sides. Stir in chopped bell peppers and cook until softened.
- Mix in tomato paste, followed by diced tomatoes; continue cooking until tomatoes break down slightly.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir well, then add beef broth along with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cover; let simmer for about 2 hours until the meat is tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
