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Carne Guisada Recipe

This hearty Carne Guisada is slow-simmered to perfection, with tender beef cubes wrapped in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect with warm tortillas or fluffy rice.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keyword: Carne Guisada Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 420kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 large onion or 2 small, finely chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 large Roma tomatoes diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cube beef bouillon
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour use more for a thicker consistency
  • 3 –4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Begin by searing the meat to lock in flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Sear until the beef is well-browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to do this in batches. Transfer the browned meat to a plate and set aside.
  • Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the chopped onions and green bell pepper, sautéing for about 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until its fragrance is released. Add the diced tomatoes and continue cooking for another minute to let the flavors meld.
  • Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir thoroughly to coat the vegetables in the spices. Mix in the tomato paste and crumble the beef bouillon cube directly into the pan, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  • To build the gravy, sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste of the flour. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth while stirring constantly; the sauce will begin to thicken as it simmers.
  • Return the seared beef to the skillet along with an additional 2 cups of beef broth. Stir until the mixture is fully incorporated, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for about 1½ hours, or until the beef becomes fork-tender and the sauce reaches a rich, velvety consistency. Stir occasionally, adding more broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot alongside fluffy rice and warm tortillas for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Sear the beef first to caramelize its natural sugars and create a flavorful brown crust that enhances the depth of the entire stew.
  • Naturally low in carbs, this stew is satisfying on its own, but you can add potatoes for a heartier variation.
  • Swap beef broth with beer for added richness and a deeper, more robust flavor profile.
  • Simmering time may vary depending on the cut and size of the beef cubes—longer cooking makes the beef more tender.
  • Not traditionally spicy, but you can turn up the heat with hot chili powder, crushed red pepper, or a dash of cayenne.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, or freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal
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