If you have been searching for a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Carne Guisada Recipe is exactly what you need. This traditional stew is packed with tender, slow-cooked beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy bursting with fragrant spices and fresh vegetables. Every spoonful melts in your mouth, bringing bold flavors and satisfying textures together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for family or a cozy dinner with friends, this Carne Guisada Recipe promises to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Carne Guisada Recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into an extraordinary experience. Each component contributes its own magic—tender beef for depth, fresh veggies for vibrant color and natural sweetness, and a blend of spices to build a complex, inviting flavor profile.

3 pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes: Choose a cut with good marbling, like chuck, for succulent tenderness after simmering.
¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil: Essential for browning the meat and developing rich flavors right from the start.
1 large onion or 2 small ones, chopped: Adds aromatic sweetness that balances the robustness of the beef.
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh, slightly tangy crunch that brightens the stew.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a savory punch, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
3 large roma tomatoes, diced: These juicy tomatoes provide natural acidity and a luscious base for the gravy.
1 teaspoon salt: Vital for seasoning and bringing every ingredient’s flavor to life.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the other spices beautifully.
2 teaspoons cumin, ground: Delivers an earthy, warm note that is signature to Caribbean and Latin American cooking.
1½ teaspoons chili powder: A little kick that rounds out the savory profile without overwhelming it.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and deepens the stew’s sauce.
1 cube beef bouillon: Infuses the dish with intensified beefy richness.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or more for thicker gravy): Works as a thickening agent to achieve that perfect stew consistency.
3-4 cups beef broth, low sodium: The flavorful liquid base for simmering the stew to tenderness.
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbal finish that brightens the dish just before serving.

How to Make Carne Guisada Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the stew meat in batches, ensuring each cube develops a deep, golden crust. This searing step is crucial because it locks in the juices and adds a complex, caramelized flavor base that your Carne Guisada Recipe will build upon. Once browned, transfer the meat to a plate and set it aside for now.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and diced tomatoes. Sauté these together until they soften and the aromas fill your kitchen. This vibrant veggie medley forms the heart of the stew’s sauce, marrying sweetness and freshness with the meaty undertones.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, and stir in the tomato paste along with the beef bouillon cube. Mixing the spices thoroughly at this stage allows them to bloom in the heat, developing layers of flavor that will infuse every bite of the stew.

Step 4: Start the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until a luscious gravy begins to form. This gravy is the soul of the Carne Guisada Recipe, enveloping the beef with a silky, flavor-packed sauce.

Step 5: Add the Beef and Cook

Return the browned beef to the skillet, submerging the pieces in the thickened gravy. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 hours. Slow cooking until the beef is fork-tender allows all those enticing flavors to meld perfectly, creating that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that makes Carne Guisada so irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the beef is tender and the gravy the perfect consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness. Your Carne Guisada Recipe is now ready to share and enjoy!

How to Serve Carne Guisada Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is the classic and a wonderful green burst, but you can also add sliced avocado, diced jalapeños for heat, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors right on the plate. These garnishes add freshness and elevate the dish visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

Serve this stew alongside fluffy white rice or warm corn tortillas to soak up the delicious gravy. Refried beans or a fresh cabbage slaw also make excellent companions, providing textural contrast and complementing the bold flavors of the Carne Guisada Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Carne Guisada as a filling for tacos topped with a crunchy slaw and a drizzle of crema. Alternatively, layer it over baked potatoes or turn it into a hearty stew bowl with rice, beans, and fresh diced vegetables for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Carne Guisada Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers taste even better the next day—perfect for quick lunches or comforting dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Carne Guisada for up to 3 months without losing much in the way of flavor or texture. Store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, making sure to leave some room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or microwave in short bursts until evenly hot. If the gravy has thickened too much after chilling, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and restore its luscious consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Carne Guisada Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck beef is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, you can also use brisket or even some sirloin tips. Just keep in mind tougher cuts will need longer simmering to become tender and flavorful.

Is it necessary to use all the spices listed?

While the blend of cumin, chili powder, and black pepper is traditional and highly recommended, feel free to adjust amounts based on your taste preferences. The spices are what give Carne Guisada Recipe its signature warmth and depth.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Definitely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender. This makes for a wonderfully hands-off way to enjoy Carne Guisada Recipe.

What if I want a thicker or thinner gravy?

If you prefer a thicker stew, simply add more flour when making the gravy or reduce the liquid slightly during cooking. For a thinner sauce, add extra beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Can Carne Guisada Recipe be made spicier?

Yes! Just add extra chili powder, or include fresh diced chilies or hot sauce to the recipe to crank up the heat while keeping the rich, savory base intact.

Final Thoughts

This Carne Guisada Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort, tradition, and rich flavors that bring people together. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re revisiting a beloved classic, this dish promises satisfaction with every bite. So grab your ingredients, take your time, and enjoy the delicious journey of creating this soul-warming stew. You won’t regret it!

Carne Guisada Recipe

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4.4 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Carne Guisada is a hearty and flavorful beef stew made with tender chunks of stew meat simmered in a rich, spiced tomato gravy. This comforting dish features aromatic onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a blend of cumin and chili powder, perfect for serving alongside rice and warm tortillas.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

3 pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 large onion or 2 small ones, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 large roma tomatoes, diced

Spices & Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons cumin, ground
1½ teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cube beef bouillon

Other Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or more for thicker gravy)
3–4 cups beef broth, low sodium
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Sear the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding and brown on all sides for a few minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
Cook the veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions, green bell pepper, garlic, and diced tomatoes until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the spices: Stir in the salt, black pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, tomato paste, and crumbled beef bouillon cube. Mix well to evenly coat the vegetables with the spices.
Start the gravy: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add 3-4 cups of low sodium beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps and create a smooth gravy base.
Add the beef and cook: Return the seared beef to the skillet, making sure it’s submerged in the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 hours until the beef is tender and the gravy thickens.
Garnish and serve: Taste the beef guisada and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot alongside steamed rice and warm tortillas.

Notes

For a thicker gravy, add additional flour sprinkled over the veggies before adding broth.
Beef broth quantity can be adjusted depending on the desired consistency of the stew.
Slow simmering the beef ensures maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
This dish pairs well with warm corn or flour tortillas and Spanish rice.
Leftovers taste even better the next day once flavors have melded.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican