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! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, carne guisada is the perfect dish for any occasion. Its rich flavors and comforting texture will surely impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates an unforgettable taste.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dish: Carne guisada can be served on its own or paired with rice, tortillas, or even nachos.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!
- Family-Friendly: This hearty meal is sure to please both kids and adults.
Tools and Preparation
To make carne guisada successfully, having the right tools is essential. These items will help you prepare and cook your dish with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking; it retains heat well for even cooking.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precision when chopping vegetables and meat, making prep faster.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pots while mixing ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Beef Stew
- 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 Tomato Base
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
For Cooking Liquid
- 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 cubed chuck steak to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides. Then, add chopped bell peppers and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Next, add diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for another couple of minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Add flour to the pot, stirring continuously until heated through. Pour in beef broth and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer
Cover the pot with a lid and let the stew simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed to maintain desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve
Once the meat is tender, serve your carne guisada warm. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor before enjoying!
This carne guisada recipe serves 8 people, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy this delightful Mexican dish that brings warmth and comfort to every table!
How to Serve Carne Guisada
Carne guisada is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want to enjoy it with sides or incorporate it into other meals, there are plenty of options to enhance your dining experience.
Tacos de Carne Guisada
- Soft corn or flour tortillas filled with carne guisada, topped with diced onions and fresh cilantro for a delicious bite.
Over Rice
- Serve the carne guisada over fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the gravy to soak in and create a hearty meal.
With Tortillas
- Pair carne guisada with warm homemade tortillas for dipping. The tortillas can scoop up the tender meat and rich sauce beautifully.
Nachos
- Layer tortilla chips with carne guisada, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a fun twist on a classic snack.
Burritos
- Wrap carne guisada in large flour tortillas along with beans, rice, and cheese for a satisfying burrito that packs flavor.
As a Sandwich
- Use crusty bread or bolillo rolls to make sandwiches filled with carne guisada, topped with avocado slices and salsa for an extra kick.
How to Perfect Carne Guisada
Getting the texture and flavor just right for carne guisada takes some practice. Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfection.
- Choose the right cut of beef: Chuck steak is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when simmered slowly.
- Sear the meat properly: Browning the beef before adding other ingredients helps build depth of flavor in the gravy.
- Low and slow cooking: Allowing your carne guisada to simmer for at least two hours ensures the meat is tender and absorbs all the spices.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; feel free to add more salt or spices based on your preference during cooking.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let your carne guisada sit covered for a few minutes. This allows flavors to meld together even more.
- Garnish generously: Fresh cilantro or lime juice can brighten up the dish before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada
Carne guisada pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent choices:
-
Mexican Rice
A flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices that enhances any Mexican meal. -
Refried Beans
Creamy refried beans provide a perfect balance of protein and flavor next to your carne guisada. -
Guacamole
Smooth avocado dip adds freshness and creaminess that contrasts nicely with the hearty stew. -
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn brushed with butter offers a delightful crunch alongside savory carne guisada. -
Chips and Salsa
Crispy tortilla chips served with spicy salsa make for an exciting appetizer before diving into your main dish. -
Cabbage Slaw
A tangy cabbage slaw adds crispness and brightness, cutting through the richness of the meat. -
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Flavorful corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime is always a hit. -
Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad provides comfort food vibes that pair well with beef dishes like carne guisada.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing carne guisada, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- seasoning: Skipping spices can leave your carne guisada bland. Make sure to season generously with salt, pepper, and cumin for authentic flavor.
- cooking temperature: Cooking at too high a temperature can toughen the meat. Always use medium heat to allow for slow cooking and tenderizing.
- neglecting simmering time: Rushing the simmering process leads to tough meat. Allow at least two hours for the stew to develop rich flavors and tenderness.
- using low-quality beef: Low-quality cuts will not yield the best results. Opt for chuck steak or another tender cut suited for slow cooking.
- ignoring vegetables: Forgetting to add vegetables can reduce flavor depth. Include onions and peppers right from the start for a well-rounded dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Carne Guisada
- Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Carne Guisada
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place carne guisada in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot (stir halfway through).
- Stovetop: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm carne guisada while stirring occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carne Guisada?
Carne guisada is a hearty Mexican beef stew made with chunks of beef cooked slowly in a rich gravy with spices and vegetables.
How do I make Carne Guisada more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, consider marinating your beef overnight or adding more spices like oregano or bay leaves.
Can I substitute the beef?
Yes! You can use pork or chicken; however, adjust cooking times accordingly as they may require less time than beef.
What do you serve with Carne Guisada?
Carne guisada pairs well with rice, beans, or tortillas. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Is Carne Guisada gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Final Thoughts
Carne guisada is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you enjoy it with rice or wrapped in tortillas, this dish is sure to satisfy. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste!
Carne Guisada
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Carne Guisada, a classic Mexican beef stew that warms the soul. This comforting dish features tender chunks of beef simmered slowly to perfection in a rich, savory gravy infused with aromatic spices. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, Carne Guisada pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or even nachos, making it a versatile favorite for any occasion. With straightforward preparation steps and easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Savor every bite as you enjoy a meal that’s not just delicious but also brings friends and family together around the table.
Ingredients
- 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 cups beef broth
- Spices: salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent; add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Brown the cubed chuck steak on all sides; then add bell peppers and cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes; cook for a few minutes.
- Add flour, mix well, and pour in beef broth along with spices. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to low.
- Cover and let simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally until meat is tender.
- Serve warm garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
