Carne Guisada is a delicious and hearty Mexican beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a flavorful sauce of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. This comforting dish is often served with rice, beans, or tortillas, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s a classic Carne Guisada recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or round, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches (so it doesn’t overcrowd the pan) and brown the meat on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, scraping up any brown bits left from the meat.
3. Add the tomatoes and spices:
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes), cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the spices to release their aroma.
4. Return the beef to the pot:
- Add the browned beef back to the pot. Stir everything together to coat the beef in the tomato-spice mixture.
5. Add the broth and simmer:
- Pour in the beef broth (or water) and add the bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become very tender and the sauce should thicken.
6. Add the potatoes (optional):
- If you’re adding potatoes, stir them into the stew about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up. This allows the potatoes to cook and absorb the flavors while softening.
7. Check for doneness:
- After 1.5 to 2 hours, check the beef and potatoes (if using) for tenderness. If the beef is still tough, continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes, adding more broth or water if the sauce gets too thick.
8. Final seasoning and garnish:
- Taste the carne guisada and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
9. Serve:
- Serve the Carne Guisada with warm tortillas, rice, or beans for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Make it spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce for more heat.
- Slow cooker option: For a hands-off approach, you can transfer the browned meat, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices into a slow cooker with the broth and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender.
- Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mash a few of the potatoes into the sauce or mix in a small amount of cornstarch or flour to thicken it.
Carne Guisada is a comforting and rich dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make, yet so satisfying. Enjoy!