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! Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish highlights the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a comforting meal that warms your heart.

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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 Base
• For the Flavor
• For Cooking
• How to Make Carne Guisada
• Step 1: Heat the Oil
• Step 2: Brown the Meat
• Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes
• Step 4: Thicken with Flour
• Step 5: Simmer the Stew
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Carne Guisada
• Tacos de Carne Guisada
• Rice and Beans
• Tortilla Chips
• Avocado Salad
• Sopes
• Fresh Cornbread
• 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 meats for Carne Guisada?
• What should I serve with Carne Guisada?
• How do I make my Carne Guisada thicker?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and slow cooking creates a deep, savory flavor that everyone will love.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can create a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, tortillas, or as a filling for tacos; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Feeds a Crowd: This carne guisada recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep.
• Comfort Food: Enjoy the hearty goodness of tender beef in a satisfying gravy that brings warmth to any table.

Tools and Preparation

To make your carne guisada smoothly, having the right tools is essential. These will help you achieve the best results while cooking.

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: Provides even heat distribution and is perfect for simmering stews over long periods.
• Cutting board: Offers a stable surface for chopping vegetables and meat safely.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking and easier preparation.

Ingredients

For the 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 the Flavor

• 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 the Oil

Begin by heating oil in a pot over medium heat. Once hot, add onions and cook until they become translucent. Add garlic and continue cooking until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Then, add peppers and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Next, add tomatoes to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour

Add flour to the pot and cook until heated through. Pour in the beef broth and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed to keep the mixture from getting too thick.

Step 6: Serve

Once the meat is tender, serve your carne guisada warm. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Carne Guisada

Carne guisada is a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your carne guisada experience.

Tacos de Carne Guisada

• Soft corn tortillas filled with carne guisada make for a delicious handheld treat. Top with diced onions and fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Rice and Beans

• Serve carne guisada over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside flavorful black beans. This combination perfectly complements the rich sauce.

Tortilla Chips

• Crispy tortilla chips can be served on the side for dipping into the savory gravy. It’s a great way to enjoy every last drop of sauce.

Avocado Salad

• A refreshing avocado salad adds a creamy texture to the meal. Toss diced avocados with lime, salt, and chopped tomatoes for a quick side.

Sopes

• Miniature corn cakes topped with carne guisada create a delightful bite-sized dish. Add refried beans and cheese for extra richness.

Fresh Cornbread

• Warm cornbread is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy in carne guisada. Serve it warm with butter for an extra treat.

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How to Perfect Carne Guisada

To achieve the best flavors and textures in your carne guisada, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the right cut of meat: Chuck steak is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Don’t rush the browning: Take your time browning the meat; this adds depth to the flavor of your dish.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the taste significantly compared to pre-ground ones.
• Simmer low and slow: Allowing the stew to cook slowly helps develop rich flavors and tenderizes the beef.
• Adjust seasoning as needed: Taste during cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
• Let it rest: Allowing carne guisada to sit after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada

Complement your carne guisada with delightful side dishes that balance its richness. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Mexican Rice
   A classic side that’s fluffy and seasoned perfectly; it’s great at absorbing juices from the meat.

2. Refried Beans
   Creamy refried beans add protein and richness, making them an excellent accompaniment to any Mexican meal.

3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
   Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder brings bold flavors to your plate.

4. Chiles Rellenos
   Stuffed peppers filled with cheese provide a delicious kick alongside your hearty stew.

5. Cilantro Lime Rice
   This fresh rice dish brightens up the meal with zesty lime and fragrant cilantro, complementing the guisada well.

6. Grilled Vegetables
   A colorful mix of grilled veggies adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the rich flavors of carne guisada.

7. Fried Plantains
   Sweet fried plantains offer a lovely contrast in both flavor and texture when served next to this savory dish.

8. Pico de Gallo
   Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds brightness and acidity to each bite of carne guisada.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making carne guisada, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• seasoning: Many people forget to season the meat properly. Always season with salt and pepper before browning for enhanced flavor.
• cooking time: Skipping the simmering step can lead to tough meat. Allowing the carne guisada to simmer for the full two hours is essential for tenderness.
• ingredient prep: Not chopping vegetables evenly can affect cooking time. Ensure that your onions and peppers are cut uniformly for consistent cooking.
• thickening: Adding flour too late can result in clumps. Mix it in early when you add the tomatoes to ensure an even gravy.
• using low-quality beef: Using lower-grade cuts may yield less tender results. Opt for chuck steak or similar cuts known for their rich flavor when slow-cooked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store carne guisada in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Carne Guisada

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Carne guisada can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Carne Guisada

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about carne guisada that many home cooks have.

What is Carne Guisada?

Carne guisada is a traditional Mexican beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich gravy, often served with rice or tortillas.

Can I use other meats for Carne Guisada?

Yes, while beef is traditional, you can use pork or chicken as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for different meats.

What should I serve with Carne Guisada?

This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, beans, or even over mashed potatoes. Feel free to customize based on your preferences!

How do I make my Carne Guisada thicker?

To thicken your carne guisada, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

Carne guisada is not only delicious but also versatile enough to fit various meal plans. You can easily adjust spices and serving options based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!