Carne Guisada is a tasty beef stew that’s full of flavor! It combines tender chunks of beef, onions, bell peppers, and spices simmered to perfection for a warm, hearty meal.
This dish is like a hug in a bowl! I love serving it with rice or warm tortillas so I can soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. What’s your favorite way to enjoy it? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is ideal for stews because it becomes tender when cooked slowly. If you don’t have beef chuck, you can use brisket or even stew meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Vegetable Oil: This is used for browning the meat. You can swap it with olive oil or even lard for a richer flavor. Both options will work great!
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the base of the flavor. I often use yellow onions for sweetness. If you’re in a hurry, shallots can be a good substitute. If garlic isn’t your thing, you could skip it, but it really adds depth!
Poblano or Bell Pepper: I love using poblano for a slight kick, but bell pepper works if you prefer mild flavors. You can try banana pepper for a different twist too!
Beef Broth: Homemade is best if you have it, but store-bought works just as well. For a lighter version, vegetable broth is a great substitute, though it will change the flavor a bit.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef in Your Guisada?
To ensure your beef is tender, the key is low and slow cooking. Here are some steps for success:
- Brown the beef well on all sides to lock in flavors and create a nice crust.
- Deglaze the pan! Scraping up the browned bits adds a ton of flavor, so don’t skip this step when adding the broth and tomato sauce.
- Keep the heat low and cover the pot. Slow simmering lets the beef break down and become super tender. Patience is important here!
- Check the beef at the 1.5-hour mark. It should be fork-tender; if not, let it simmer longer. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your beef chunks.
With these tips, your Carne Guisada will turn out warm, hearty, and full of flavor! Enjoy!
How to Make Delicious Carne Guisada
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 poblano or bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (for garnish; optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Carne Guisada takes about 20 minutes to prep and 2 to 2.5 hours to cook. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives you that tender beef you crave. Make sure to plan for some simmering time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches to brown them evenly, making sure all sides are nicely seared. This should take about 5-6 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
3. Combining the Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to coat the beef well with the spices.
4. Adding Liquids:
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is super important for flavor!
5. Simmering:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking time makes for tender, juicy beef.
6. Adding Vegetables:
After the beef is tender, add in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and bell pepper. Stir gently and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until the veggies are cooked through and the stew has thickened.
7. Final Touches:
Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper to your taste. If you prefer a little extra heat, feel free to add sliced jalapeño as well!
8. Serving Up the Dish:
Serve your hot Carne Guisada in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices if you like. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side, and enjoy it with fluffy white rice or warm tortillas!
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Carne Guisada stew! It’s a perfect meal for cozy evenings!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or stew meat. Just note that cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, consider adding more chili powder or some diced serrano peppers alongside the poblano. You can also use spicier varieties of canned diced tomatoes or add in sliced jalapeños like on the garnish!
Can I Freeze Leftover Carne Guisada?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or microwave.
What Should I Serve with Carne Guisada?
This dish pairs excellently with white rice, warm tortillas, or even mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of black beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
