Carne Guisada is a flavorful and hearty Mexican beef stew that’s cooked with a savory tomato-based sauce, seasoned with spices, and slow-cooked until the beef is tender. It’s often served with rice, beans, or warm tortillas. Here’s a simple recipe for Carne Guisada:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck roast or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper.
- Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Sear on all sides until the beef is nicely browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (fresh or canned), tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, cinnamon (if using), and black pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to toast and become fragrant.
4. Simmer the Beef:
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add enough beef broth (or water) to cover the beef. Stir in the bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Add Optional Vegetables:
- If you’re using peas or other vegetables, add them about 30 minutes before the end of cooking. They should be tender but not overcooked.
6. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the carne guisada and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
7. Serve:
- Serve the carne guisada with rice, beans, or tortillas. You can garnish it with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips:
- Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer, you can make carne guisada in a slow cooker. After browning the beef, transfer it to the slow cooker along with the vegetables, spices, broth, and bay leaves. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering the stew uncovered for the last 30 minutes, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.
- Flavor Variations: Add chopped potatoes or carrots to the stew for extra flavor and texture, or swap out the peas for another vegetable of your choice.
Carne Guisada is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family meals or gatherings. Enjoy!