Carne Guisada – Recipe

Carne Guisada is a classic, hearty Latin American stew that’s made with tender, slow-cooked beef simmered in a flavorful sauce. It’s a comforting and savory dish that’s typically served with rice, beans, or tortillas. The beef is braised with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices, making it incredibly rich and delicious. It’s a perfect dish for cozy dinners or for when you want to impress with your cooking!

Here’s a delicious Carne Guisada recipe you can try at home:

Carne Guisada Recipe

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, brisket, or round, cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for a richer flavor)
1 cup beef broth (or water if you prefer)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional for serving)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the beef stew meat and sear it until it’s browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps lock in flavor.
Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Spices:

Stir in the diced tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes), and tomato paste (if using), and cook for about 3 minutes to allow the tomatoes to release their juices and meld with the spices.
Add the cumin, paprika, chili powder, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables and tomatoes with the spices.

4. Return the Beef to the Pot:

Add the seared beef back into the pot.
Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce, and stir to combine. The liquid should just cover the beef. Add more broth or water if necessary.

5. Simmer the Stew:

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally, and add more liquid if it gets too thick or starts to stick.

6. Finish and Season:

Once the beef is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar for a bit of acidity to balance the flavors.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.

7. Serve:

Serve the Carne Guisada hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Pair it with rice, beans, or tortillas to soak up the flavorful sauce.
You can also serve it with lime wedges for a citrusy kick!

Tips for the Perfect Carne Guisada:

Tender Beef: For the most tender meat, choose cuts like chuck roast or brisket. These cuts have the right amount of fat and collagen to become melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked.
Flavor Variations: You can add potatoes or carrots to the stew for a heartier dish. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the beef and broth.
Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add jalapeños or serrano peppers when cooking the onions and garlic, or stir in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Slow Cooker Option: You can make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker. After browning the beef, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld even more.

Why You’ll Love This Carne Guisada:

Rich and Flavorful: The beef becomes incredibly tender and soaks up all the savory flavors from the tomatoes, spices, and broth.
Versatile: It’s great with a variety of sides, whether you prefer rice, tortillas, or even just a salad for a lighter meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and even tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Comforting: This dish is the epitome of comfort food — perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.

Carne Guisada is a hearty, flavorful stew that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or at a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Let me know how it turns out, or if you want to add any twists to the recipe!