Carne Guisada is a delicious beef stew that warms the heart! Made with tender meat, tasty spices, and simmered to perfection, it’s great for any meal.
What I love most is how easy it is to throw together. Just pop it on the stove, and in no time, your kitchen smells heavenly. Perfect with rice or tortillas!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: I recommend using beef chuck for its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. If you prefer a leaner cut, flank or sirloin works too, but may require shorter cooking times.
Vegetable Oil: This oil can be swapped for olive oil or canola oil. Personally, I like using avocado oil as it has a higher smoke point and adds a subtle flavor.
Onion & Bell Pepper: Yellow onions give a nice sweetness here. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or green onions can be used. For the bell pepper, skip it if you’re not a fan.
Potatoes & Carrots: Use any type of potato you have; Yukon Golds hold up well. Sweet potatoes are a tasty alternative. For carrots, feel free to add more veggies like peas or corn based on your taste.
Sauces & Spices: I love Worcestershire sauce for extra depth, but you can use soy sauce or leave it out completely. For spiciness, a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Tender?
Tender beef is the star of Carne Guisada! Achieving this means slow cooking to allow the fibers to break down. Here’s how to do it:
- Brown the beef well; this adds flavor. Don’t crowd the pan—do it in batches if needed.
- Ensure the heat is low while simmering. High heat can make the meat tough.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer without stirring too much; this keeps moisture in.
- Check the beef for tenderness; it should fall apart easily when done.
With these tips, your Carne Guisada will be a hit every time! Cook low and slow for the best results.
Delicious Carne Guisada Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 to 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Avocado slices and diced tomatoes (for serving, optional)
- Cooked white rice (to serve)
Estimated Time Needed:
This delicious Carne Guisada takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to cook. So, in total, you’ll be looking at around 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial for adding flavor! Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add in the diced onion and bell pepper (if you’re using it). Sauté these until they are soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until the aroma fills your kitchen!
3. Thicken the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over your colorful veggie mixture, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This helps cook the flour, which will thicken your sauce later.
4. Add Liquid:
Now, slowly pour in beef broth (start with 1 cup) while scraping any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where the magic happens!
5. Mix in the Flavor:
Stir in the tomato sauce along with the cumin, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce if you choose to add it. Give everything a good mix!
6. Bring It All Together:
Return the browned beef to the pot and make sure it’s combined well with the sauce. Feel free to add more broth or water if it looks too thick.
7. Introduce the Veggies:
Now it’s time to add in those diced potatoes and carrots. These will make your stew hearty and complete!
8. Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft. Make sure to stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
9. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A little more salt or pepper may do wonders!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot Carne Guisada with cooked white rice and top with fresh chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and diced tomatoes if you like. Enjoy every comforting bite!
This Carne Guisada recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cold nights, or just a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy cooking and savor your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness, you can use brisket or flank steak. Just remember that different cuts may require different cooking times, so adjust accordingly!
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth works just fine as a substitute. You can even use water, though it may result in a less flavorful dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Carne Guisada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it down before transferring!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Peas, bell peppers, or even zucchini can be delicious additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetables you choose!
