Carne Guisada With Flour Tortillas

Here’s a classic, deeply flavorful Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas recipe — a Tex-Mex favorite featuring tender stewed beef in a rich, savory gravy, perfect for wrapping in soft, homemade tortillas.

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🥘 Carne Guisada (Mexican-Style Beef Stew)

Ingredients:

For the Carne Guisada:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (or 1 small tomato, finely chopped)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• Optional: 1 jalapeño, minced (for heat)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:
   • Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Season beef with salt and pepper. Brown in batches until all sides are seared. Set aside.
2. Sauté Veggies:
   • In the same pot, reduce heat to medium.
   • Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add Tomato & Spices:
   • Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
4. Return Beef & Simmer:
   • Add the browned beef back in, pour in beef broth. Bring to a boil.
   • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until meat is tender.
5. Thicken the Gravy:
   • Mix flour with 1/4 cup water to form a slurry. Stir into the stew.
   • Simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with warm flour tortillas.

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🌮 Soft Flour Tortillas (Homemade)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
• 3/4 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Add oil and mix until crumbly.
3. Slowly add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead for 5 minutes, then rest for 20 minutes.
5. Divide into 8 balls, roll into thin circles.
6. Cook on a dry skillet over medium heat ~30 sec per side, until puffed and spotted.

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✅ Serving Suggestions:

• Side ideas: Mexican rice, refried beans, or guacamole.
• Make it spicier: Add chipotle peppers or hot sauce to the stew.
• Make ahead: Carne guisada can be made a day ahead — it tastes even better reheated.

Want a slow cooker or instant pot version?