Carne Guisada
My carne guisada recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef chunks in the most incredible gravy ever. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with a hearty, flavorful meal. This dish stands out for its rich flavors and comforting aroma, making it a beloved choice in Mexican cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this carne guisada is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Rich Flavor: Slow cooking infuses the beef with incredible flavor, resulting in a savory gravy that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, with tortillas, or as a filling for tacos—carne guisada fits seamlessly into various meals.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors only improve the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting taste and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to satisfy family and friends alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making carne guisada, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These will help ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow-cooking the beef evenly while allowing ample space for all ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables and meat.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while mixing all the delicious flavors together.
Ingredients
For the Carne Guisada
- 2 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 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 Ingredients
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: Incorporate Flour and Seasonings
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.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce heat to low, 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!
How to Serve Carne Guisada
Carne guisada is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want it as a hearty meal or a flavorful filling, there are plenty of options to elevate your dining experience.
Tacos
- Use warmed corn or flour tortillas to wrap the carne guisada. Top with fresh cilantro and diced onions for an authentic touch.
Rice Bowl
- Serve carne guisada over a bed of fluffy Mexican rice. Add avocado slices and a sprinkle of lime juice for extra flavor.
Nachos
- Layer tortilla chips with carne guisada, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a delicious nacho platter perfect for sharing.
Burritos
- Wrap carne guisada in large tortillas with beans and cheese. You can also add salsa for an extra kick.
Quesadillas
- Spread carne guisada between two tortillas with cheese and grill until crispy. Cut into wedges for easy serving.
Over Polenta
- For a twist, serve carne guisada over creamy polenta. It adds a unique texture that complements the dish beautifully.
How to Perfect Carne Guisada
To achieve the ultimate flavor and tenderness in your carne guisada, follow these simple tips.
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Choose quality meat: Opt for chuck steak or flank steak, which become tender during slow cooking.
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Sear the meat: Browning the beef before adding other ingredients enhances depth of flavor.
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Use homemade broth: If possible, use homemade beef broth for richer taste compared to store-bought versions.
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Simmer slowly: Allowing the dish to simmer gently helps break down the meat fibers, resulting in tender bites.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook; adjust salt and spices to suit your palate.
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Let it rest: After cooking, let the dish sit covered for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada
Pairing carne guisada with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some great options you might consider.
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Mexican Rice: A flavorful side that complements the rich gravy of carne guisada perfectly.
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Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and balance out the meal nicely.
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Corn Tortillas: Freshly made corn tortillas are perfect for scooping up the stew.
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Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds freshness and richness that pairs well with the spices in carne guisada.
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Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness to each bite.
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Grilled Vegetables: Charred vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers provide color and texture alongside this hearty dish.
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Chips and Salsa: A crunchy starter that opens up the appetite while waiting for the main course.
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Cilantro Lime Slaw: A refreshing slaw provides crunch and acidity that can cut through the richness of the stew.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making carne guisada, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using Tough Cuts of Meat: Always choose cuts like chuck steak, which become tender when cooked slowly. Avoid lean cuts that won’t break down properly.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Don’t skip browning the meat! This step adds depth of flavor to your carne guisada. Take the time to get a good sear on all sides.
- Not Seasoning Enough: It’s essential to season your dish at every stage. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning so your carne guisada is flavorful throughout.
- Overcooking or Undercooking: Cooking time is crucial. Make sure to let it simmer long enough for the meat to become tender, but also avoid overcooking, which can dry it out.
- Ignoring the Resting Period: Allowing your carne guisada to rest after cooking helps the flavors meld together. Don’t rush this vital step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover carne guisada in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Carne Guisada
- Place cooled carne guisada in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Carne Guisada
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about carne guisada:
What is carne guisada?
Carne guisada is a flavorful Mexican beef stew made with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and spices simmered together.
Can I use other meats for carne guisada?
Yes! While beef is traditional, you can use pork or chicken for a different twist on this beloved dish.
How spicy is carne guisada?
The spice level can vary based on your choice of chili powder. Adjust according to your taste by adding more or less.
How do I serve carne guisada?
Carne guisada is best served with rice, tortillas, or even over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
Carne guisada is a comforting and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and tender meat make it irresistible. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste.
Carne Guisada
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of carne guisada, a classic Mexican beef stew that brings comfort to any table. This recipe features tender chunks of slow-cooked beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy infused with aromatic vegetables and spices. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, carne guisada is not only delicious but also versatile—serve it over rice, wrapped in tortillas, or even as a filling for hearty burritos. The deep flavors only improve as leftovers, making it an ideal choice for meal prep. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, this simple yet satisfying dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
- Add cubed chuck steak and brown on all sides. Incorporate bell peppers and cook until softened.
- Mix in tomato paste and diced tomatoes; cook for about two minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring well before adding beef broth along with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for two hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed.
- Once tender, serve warm with fresh cilantro garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
