Carne Guisada

This Carne Guisada recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef chunks simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. It’s perfect for serving over rice, with tortillas, or alongside beans. This comforting dish is not only easy to make but also sure to please any crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or special gatherings.

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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 Meat
• For the Vegetables
• For Flavoring
• For Broth
• For Garnish
• 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
• Accompanied by Beans
• Topped with Cilantro
• With Avocado Slices
• On a Burrito
• 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 meat for Carne Guisada?
• How do I make my Carne Guisada thicker?
• Can I customize my Carne Guisada?
• How should I serve Carne Guisada?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and slow cooking creates a deep, rich flavor that will warm you from the inside out.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, in tacos, or with crusty bread—Carne Guisada fits any meal plan.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this dish comes together easily even for beginner cooks.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—great for busy nights!
• Authentic Taste: This recipe brings the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine right to your home.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Carne Guisada, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking, ensuring even heat distribution for tender meat.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, helping to incorporate flavors seamlessly.

Ingredients

For the Meat

• 2 pounds chuck steak, cubed
• 2 ½ tablespoons oil

For the Vegetables

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, diced

For Flavoring

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

For Broth

• 2 cups beef broth

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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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 minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

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

Step 3: Add Peppers

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

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Tomatoes

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

Step 5: Thicken with Flour

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

Step 6: Add Seasonings and Broth

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

Step 7: Simmer the Stew

Cover pot:
– Let carne guisada simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
– Add water as needed to prevent thickening too much.

Step 8: Serve

Once meat is tender:
– Serve carne guisada warm, optionally garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.

How to Serve Carne Guisada

Carne Guisada is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it over rice, inside tortillas, or alongside beans, this stew offers comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Here are some popular serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the carne guisada generously over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal.

With Tortillas

• Warm corn or flour tortillas on the side to scoop up the carne guisada. This traditional pairing adds a delightful touch.

Accompanied by Beans

• Pair with refried beans or black beans for added protein and fiber, creating a balanced plate.

Topped with Cilantro

• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and color that enhances the dish’s appeal.

With Avocado Slices

• Add slices of creamy avocado on the side for richness and a refreshing contrast to the spicy stew.

On a Burrito

• Use carne guisada as a filling for burritos along with rice, beans, and cheese for a filling wrap.

How to Perfect Carne Guisada

Perfecting your carne guisada can elevate this dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure your stew turns out delicious every time.

• Choose Quality Beef: Select chuck steak or another cut with good marbling for tenderness and flavor.
• Sauté Ingredients Well: Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic. Properly browning them adds depth to the gravy.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you cook and adjust spices according to your preference for heat and flavor.
• Allow for Slow Cooking: Letting the carne guisada simmer low and slow allows flavors to meld beautifully while tenderizing the meat.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh tomatoes and spices for maximum flavor impact in your stew.
• Thicken as Needed: If the stew is too thin after cooking, let it simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.

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Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada

Serving carne guisada can be even more enjoyable with complementary sides. Here are some excellent options that pair well with this flavorful stew.

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful side infused with spices and broth that complements the beef perfectly.
2. Corn Elote: Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, and chili powder adds sweetness and crunch.
3. Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip that provides richness and balances out spiciness in the stew.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh tomato salsa create a great appetizer before the main dish.
5. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños brings brightness to your plate.
6. Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor when served alongside savory carne guisada.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Carne Guisada can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

• Ignoring Meat Quality: Always choose high-quality chuck steak for the best flavor and tenderness. Lower quality cuts may result in a tough dish.
• Skipping Browning the Beef: Don’t rush this step! Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to your carne guisada. Take the time to brown it properly on all sides.
• Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too much meat at once, it won’t brown nicely. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect sear.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Be sure to season your dish well. Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preference for a more flavorful outcome.
• Not Simmering Long Enough: Carne guisada benefits from a long, slow simmer. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender, so resist the urge to rush it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store carne guisada in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Carne Guisada

• Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing.
• Use an airtight container or freezer bags for storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Carne Guisada

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a pot over medium heat and stir frequently until heated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carne Guisada?

Carne Guisada is a flavorful Mexican beef stew made with tender chunks of meat simmered in a rich gravy. It’s often served with rice or tortillas.

Can I use other cuts of meat for Carne Guisada?

While chuck steak is ideal for its tenderness after cooking, you can also use brisket or round beef. Just ensure they are well marbled for the best results.

How do I make my Carne Guisada thicker?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I customize my Carne Guisada?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

How should I serve Carne Guisada?

Serve carne guisada warm over rice, with tortillas on the side, or alongside beans for a hearty meal that everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

Carne Guisada is not just a comforting dish; it’s also versatile and easy to customize according to your preferences. Whether you serve it with rice or tortillas, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own!

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