Carne Guisada, also known as Mexican Beef Stew

Here’s a delicious and authentic recipe for Carne Guisada, a rich, flavorful Mexican beef stew made with tender beef simmered in a savory tomato-based gravy. It’s perfect served with rice, beans, or wrapped in warm tortillas.

🌮 Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)

Ingredients (4–6 servings):

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into cubes)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1½ cups beef broth

• 1 tsp salt, or to taste

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp flour (to thicken)

• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Brown the beef:

   • Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

   • Add beef in batches and brown on all sides (don’t overcrowd the pot).

   • Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables:

   • In the same pot, reduce heat to medium.

   • Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

3. Build the stew:

   • Add the tomatoes (and tomato paste, if using), cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

   • Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer:

   • Cover and reduce heat to low.

   • Let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have developed. Stir occasionally and add water or broth if needed.

5. Thicken the stew:

   • Mix the flour with 2 tbsp cold water to form a slurry.

   • Stir into the stew and cook for another 5–10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

   • Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or warm flour tortillas.

🌶️ Tips & Variations:

• For spicier stew, add a diced jalapeño or chipotle pepper.

• You can use beer or a splash of red wine in place of some broth for deeper flavor.

• Make it in the slow cooker: Cook on low for 6–8 hours after browning the beef.

Would you like a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or low-carb version of Carne Guisada?