Carne Guisada

This Carne Guisada recipe brings together tender beef chunks in a rich and flavorful gravy. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice, with warm tortillas, or alongside hearty beans, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a go-to choice for any occasion.

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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 Beef Stew
• 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
• In Tacos
• As a Burrito 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?
• Can I use other cuts of beef?
• How spicy is Carne Guisada?
• Can Carne Guisada be made ahead of time?
• How do I customize my Carne Guisada?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow cooking creates an incredibly flavorful dish that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, in tacos, or with beans—this recipe fits any meal preference.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this comforting stew.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Carne Guisada, you will need some essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow-cooking the beef, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.

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 Beef 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

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 and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the cubed chuck steak to the pot:
1. Cook until browned on all sides.

Step 3: Add Peppers

Stir in the chopped bell peppers:
1. Cook for a couple of minutes until softened.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Tomatoes

Add the tomato paste to the pot:
1. Cook for 1 minute.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture:
1. Stir to combine.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Add Seasonings and Broth

Pour in the beef broth:
1. Stir in salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Step 7: Simmer the Stew

Cover the pot:
1. Let the carne guisada simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Add water as needed to prevent thickness.

Step 8: Serve

Once tender:
1. Serve warm with chopped fresh cilantro as garnish if desired.

How to Serve Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a classic approach or want to try something new, here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your experience.

Over Rice

• Serving carne guisada over a bed of fluffy white rice allows the savory gravy to soak in, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

With Tortillas

• Warm tortillas pair perfectly with carne guisada. Use them to scoop up the beef and sauce for a delicious handheld meal.

Alongside Beans

• Serve carne guisada with refried beans or black beans for added protein and texture. This combination makes for a hearty and filling plate.

Topped with Cilantro

• Garnish your carne guisada with fresh cilantro. This adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

In Tacos

• Transform your carne guisada into tacos by placing it in soft corn tortillas and adding toppings like avocado, salsa, or cheese.

As a Burrito Filling

• Use carne guisada as a filling for burritos. Wrap it up with rice, beans, and cheese for a satisfying meal on the go.

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How to Perfect Carne Guisada

To ensure your carne guisada turns out tender and flavorful, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the right cut of meat: Chuck steak is ideal due to its balance of fat and tenderness when cooked slowly.
• Marinate beforehand: Letting the beef marinate in spices or citrus juice enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Don’t rush the browning: Take time to brown the meat properly; this adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Simmer low and slow: Cooking carne guisada at low heat for an extended period helps develop rich flavors and ensures tenderness.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Always taste before serving; you may want to add more salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference.
• Let it rest: Allowing carne guisada to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help the flavors meld together even more.

Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada pairs well with several sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Spanish Rice
   A flavorful side made with tomatoes, onions, and spices that enhances the meal’s character.

2. Guacamole
   Creamy avocado dip that provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.

3. Chips and Salsa
   Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make a great appetizer or side dish.

4. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch; grill it for extra smoky flavor.

5. Quesadillas
   Cheesy quesadillas make an amazing accompaniment; serve them warm alongside your main dish.

6. Grilled Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.

7. Cabbage Slaw
   A crisp slaw balances the rich flavors of carne guisada and adds freshness.

8. Potato Salad
   Creamy potato salad can round out your meal while providing comfort food vibes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your carne guisada turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Overcrowding the Pot: When browning the beef, do not overcrowd the pot as it can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the meat and vegetables properly. A pinch of salt and pepper goes a long way in enhancing flavor.
• Not Simmering Long Enough: Carne guisada needs time to develop its flavors. Avoid rushing the simmering process; two hours is ideal for tender meat.
• Ignoring Liquid Levels: Keep an eye on the liquid. If it becomes too thick, add water or broth gradually to maintain the right consistency.
• Using Low-Quality Meat: Choose good quality chuck steak for best results. Lower quality meat can result in a less flavorful dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store carne guisada in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Carne Guisada

• Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing.
• Use an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for storage.
• Frozen carne guisada can be kept for up to 3 months.

Reheating Carne Guisada

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the carne guisada in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container. Heat on medium power for 20-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about carne guisada that may help enhance your cooking experience.

What is Carne Guisada?

Carne guisada is a traditional Latin American beef stew made with slow-cooked chunks of beef simmered in a rich gravy, often served with rice or tortillas.

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round steak, but chuck steak provides great tenderness and flavor when cooked slowly.

How spicy is Carne Guisada?

The spice level depends on how much chili powder you use. You can adjust it according to your taste preference by adding more or less.

Can Carne Guisada be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows flavors to deepen. It keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

How do I customize my Carne Guisada?

You can customize carne guisada by adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes. Adjust spices based on your personal preference as well!

Final Thoughts

Carne guisada is a comforting and versatile dish perfect for any meal. Its rich flavors and tender beef make it a favorite among many. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it truly yours!