Here’s a Carne Guisada recipe with tender beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy — perfect for spooning into warm flour tortillas for an authentic Tex-Mex meal.
🌮 Carne Guisada with Flour Tortillas
What is Carne Guisada?
“Carne guisada” means “stewed meat” in Spanish. This Tex-Mex version features beef chunks slow-cooked in a thick, flavorful gravy made with onions, peppers, garlic, and spices. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served over rice.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For the carne guisada:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, diced (for heat)
For serving:
- Warm flour tortillas (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, diced onions
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 the meat in batches (don’t overcrowd).
- Remove browned beef and set aside.
2. Sauté the veggies:
- In the same pot, lower heat to medium.
- Add onions and bell peppers. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Build the gravy:
- Add tomato paste and flour. Stir well for 1–2 minutes (this helps thicken the gravy later).
- Slowly add beef broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, and jalapeño if using.
4. Simmer the stew:
- Return the beef to the pot and stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.
- Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if it gets too thick.
5. Taste and adjust:
- Taste for salt, pepper, and seasoning. If gravy is too thin, simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce.
To Serve:
- Warm flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Spoon carne guisada into tortillas and serve with toppings of your choice.
- Also great with rice, beans, or over mashed potatoes.
Optional Add-ons:
- A squeeze of lime for brightness
- Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for heat
- Queso fresco or shredded cheddar
Want a slow cooker or pressure cooker version too?