Here’s a flavorful and authentic Mexican Beef Stew (Carne Guisada) recipe—tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory tomato-based gravy with peppers, onions, and spices. It’s great served with warm flour tortillas, rice, or beans.
🌶️ Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
Ingredients:
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2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large green bell pepper, chopped
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1 large tomato, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
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2 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richer sauce)
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2 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp ground black pepper
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1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
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2–2½ cups beef broth or water
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Optional: 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, chopped, for extra heat
🥘 Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef
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Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Add beef in batches (don’t crowd the pan). Brown on all sides.
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Transfer browned beef to a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
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In the same pot, add chopped onion and bell pepper.
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Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Flour
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Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes.
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Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat everything—this helps thicken the stew later.
4. Simmer the Stew
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Return beef to the pot.
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Pour in beef broth until meat is just covered.
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Add salt and pepper. Stir.
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Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat.
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Cover and cook on low for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce has thickened.
Tip: Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.
5. Taste & Adjust
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or a dash of chili powder if needed.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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Warm flour tortillas (for scooping or wrapping)
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Mexican rice
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Refried or charro beans
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Pickled jalapeños or fresh cilantro for garnish