Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada is a beloved Mexican dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef chunks in a rich, savory gravy. This hearty stew is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering. With its robust flavors and comforting texture, carne guisada is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Serve it over rice, with warm tortillas, or alongside beans for a complete meal.

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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
• Alongside Beans
• Topped with Cilantro
• With Avocado Slices
• As a Taco Filling
• 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 beef for Carne Guisada?
• Is Carne Guisada gluten-free?
• Can I make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this flavorful dish without any fuss.
• Rich Flavor: The slow cooking allows the beef to absorb all the spices and create a deeply satisfying sauce.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy carne guisada over rice, in tacos, or with homemade tortillas—perfect for any palate.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress guests with its authentic flavor and hearty portion sizes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To make carne guisada effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking, allowing the beef to become tender while developing rich flavors.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping vegetables and meat efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures easy cutting of vegetables and meat into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Ingredients

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

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:
– Cook until browned on all sides.

Step 3: Add Peppers

Stir in the chopped bell peppers:
– Cook for 2 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.
3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle flour over the mixture:
– Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Add Seasonings and Broth

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

Step 7: Simmer the Stew

Cover pot:
– Let carne guisada simmer on low heat for about 2 hours.
– Stir occasionally; add water if needed to prevent thickening too much.

Step 8: Serve

Once meat is tender:
– Serve warm garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

How to Serve Carne Guisada

Carne guisada is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the carne guisada over steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal that absorbs the rich gravy.

With Tortillas

• Warm corn or flour tortillas on the side for wrapping up bites of carne guisada, adding a delightful texture and flavor.

Alongside Beans

• Pair with refried or black beans to complement the savory beef, making for a balanced plate full of protein.

Topped with Cilantro

• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color that brightens the dish.

With Avocado Slices

• Serve slices of creamy avocado on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the carne guisada.

As a Taco Filling

• Use carne guisada as a filling for tacos, topped with diced onions, cilantro, and salsa for a tasty twist.

How to Perfect Carne Guisada

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

• Choose the right cut of meat: Chuck steak is ideal due to its marbling, which adds flavor and tenderness during cooking.
• Brown the meat properly: Take time to brown the beef on all sides before simmering; this enhances flavor through caramelization.
• Use homemade broth: If possible, use homemade beef broth for richer taste and depth compared to store-bought options.
• Let it simmer: Allowing carne guisada to simmer low and slow ensures the flavors meld beautifully and results in tender meat.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking; everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to customize.
• Consider resting time: Letting the stew rest after cooking allows flavors to develop further before serving.

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Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada

To create a well-rounded meal featuring carne guisada, consider these delicious side dishes. Each option pairs beautifully with this savory stew.

1. Spanish Rice
   A flavorful blend of rice cooked with tomatoes and spices, perfect for soaking up gravy.
2. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of carne guisada.
3. Grilled Vegetables
   Charred seasonal veggies provide freshness and balance against hearty beef stew.
4. Cabbage Slaw
   A tangy slaw brings crunch and acidity, enhancing each bite of carne guisada.
5. Chips and Salsa
   Crispy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa make for a fun appetizer before diving into the main dish.
6. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
   Grilled corn slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, and spices complements the robust flavors of carne guisada perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making carne guisada, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Always sear the meat until it’s browned on all sides for rich taste.
• Using Too Much Liquid: Adding excess broth can make the dish soupy rather than stew-like. Stick to the recipe’s liquid measurements for optimal consistency.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to season at each stage will result in bland carne guisada. Season with salt and spices throughout the cooking process for depth of flavor.
• Rushing the Simmering Time: Cutting down on simmer time can leave the meat tough. Allow it to simmer low and slow for at least two hours for tender, juicy results.
• Not Adjusting Seasonings: Each ingredient adds flavor, so don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A pinch of salt or spice at the end can elevate your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Airtight Containers:* Store carne guisada in airtight containers to keep it fresh.
• • Duration:* It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing Carne Guisada

• • Freezer-Safe Containers:* Use freezer-safe containers or bags for long-term storage.
• • Duration:* Carne guisada can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Carne Guisada

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until fully heated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carne Guisada?

Carne guisada is a traditional Latin American beef stew made with chunks of beef simmered in a flavorful gravy often served with rice or tortillas.

How do I make Carne Guisada more spicy?

To increase the spice level, add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños during cooking. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side.

Can I use different cuts of beef for Carne Guisada?

Yes! While chuck steak is ideal due to its tenderness when cooked slowly, you can use brisket or round steak as alternatives.

Is Carne Guisada gluten-free?

The traditional recipe includes flour for thickening; however, you can substitute with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Can I make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After sautéing the ingredients, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender results.

Final Thoughts

Carne guisada is not only comforting but also versatile. Perfect for serving over rice or alongside tortillas and beans, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences!

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