Carne Guisada
My carne guisada recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef chunks in the most incredible gravy ever. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, and special occasions alike. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a standout choice for any meal, ensuring everyone will come back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: The steps are simple, making it accessible even for beginner cooks.
- Flavorful Gravy: Slow cooking intensifies the flavors, resulting in a deliciously rich sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or tortillas.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy carne guisada on its own, as a filling for tacos, or over nachos for a hearty snack.
- Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Freezes Well: Leftovers can be stored in the freezer, allowing you to enjoy this comfort food later.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start creating your carne guisada masterpiece, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for slow cooking the beef and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
Ingredients
For the Meat and Vegetables
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 2 pounds chuck steak (cubed)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups beef broth
How to Make Carne Guisada
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes while cubing the chuck steak into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot:
Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the cubed chuck steak to the pot:
Cook until browned on all sides.
Add chopped bell peppers and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add Tomato Base
Mix in tomato paste:
Stir for an additional minute.
Then add diced tomatoes and cook for another couple of minutes.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle flour into the mixture:
Stir until heated through.
Pour in beef broth and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a boil.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce heat to low:
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours.
Stir occasionally and add water if it gets too thick.
Step 7: Serve Your Carne Guisada
Once tender:
Serve your carne guisada warm. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor!
This carne guisada will surely become a favorite in your household!
How to Serve Carne Guisada
Serving carne guisada is a delightful experience, and there are many ways to enjoy this flavorful dish. Here are some serving suggestions that can elevate your meal.
With Rice
- Pairing carne guisada with fluffy white rice creates a comforting and filling meal. The rice soaks up the rich gravy perfectly.
In Tacos
- Use warm corn or flour tortillas to make delicious tacos filled with carne guisada. Top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Over Mashed Potatoes
- Serve carne guisada over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty twist. The gravy complements the smooth texture of the potatoes beautifully.
With Tortillas
- Corn or flour tortillas are great for scooping up carne guisada. The soft texture makes it easy to enjoy every bite.
On Nachos
- Create a flavorful nacho platter by layering tortilla chips with shredded cheese, carne guisada, and your favorite toppings like jalapeños and sour cream.
Garnished with Fresh Cilantro
- Adding chopped fresh cilantro as a garnish enhances the dish’s presentation and adds a burst of flavor that complements the spices in the carne guisada.
How to Perfect Carne Guisada
To achieve the best carne guisada, consider these helpful tips that can enhance your cooking process and flavor profile.
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Choose quality meat: Opt for well-marbled chuck steak for tenderness and flavor. The fat content will help keep the meat juicy during cooking.
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Sear properly: Take time to brown the meat well before adding other ingredients. This step develops rich flavors that are essential for a great stew.
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Low and slow: Allowing the stew to simmer on low heat for several hours tenderizes the meat and melds all flavors beautifully.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste your carne guisada while cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to suit your palate. Personalizing flavors can make all the difference.
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Use homemade broth: If possible, use homemade beef broth for deeper flavor compared to store-bought options.
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Let it rest: After cooking, let your carne guisada sit covered for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps redistribute juices throughout the meat.
Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada
Carne guisada pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavor. Here are some excellent options:
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Spanish Rice: A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes and spices, perfect for soaking up gravy.
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Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to your plate, balancing out the meal nicely.
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Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory meat stew; it’s perfect for mopping up sauce.
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Guacamole: Fresh avocado mixed with lime juice offers a cool contrast to the warmth of carne guisada.
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Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables add color and nutrition; their smoky flavor enhances the overall meal experience.
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Chips & Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make an excellent appetizer before diving into carne guisada.
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Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw brings crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the stew.
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Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains provide a tropical twist that pairs well with savory dishes like carne guisada.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making carne guisada can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using tough cuts of meat: Always choose chuck steak or a similar cut that benefits from slow cooking. This ensures tenderness.
- Not browning the meat properly: Browning adds flavor. Make sure to sear the meat on all sides before adding other ingredients.
- Skipping the simmering step: Simmering allows flavors to meld. Don’t rush this step; let it cook low and slow for the best taste.
- Over-seasoning too early: Taste as you go! Adding too much seasoning at once can overwhelm the dish. Adjust towards the end.
- Neglecting to add liquid: If your stew is too thick, add more broth or water as needed. The right consistency is key for a great carne guisada.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Carne Guisada
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Carne Guisada
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about carne guisada that may help enhance your cooking experience.
What is Carne Guisada?
Carne guisada is a traditional Mexican beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a flavorful gravy.
How can I customize my Carne Guisada?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra nutrition. Adjust spices based on your taste preferences as well!
Can I make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?
Yes! For a slow cooker version, brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What dishes pair well with Carne Guisada?
Serve carne guisada with rice, tortillas, or beans for a complete meal that’s hearty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This carne guisada recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can easily customize it with different spices or vegetables. I encourage you to try making it and enjoy its comforting flavors with family and friends!
Carne Guisada
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Carne guisada is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a richly flavored gravy. This traditional Mexican beef stew is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or any special occasion. The savory sauce pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or even mashed potatoes, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love. With its comforting texture and robust flavors, carne guisada is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 2 pounds chuck steak (cubed)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Cube the chuck steak into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Brown the cubed chuck steak on all sides before adding the chopped bell peppers. Sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes; cook for an additional couple of minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well before pouring in beef broth along with seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 2 hours until meat is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
