Carne Guisada is a rich and flavorful slow-cooked beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a spiced tomato-based gravy. This comforting dish is packed with warm Latin flavors and is best served with rice, warm tortillas, or beans for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, slow-cooked flavor – The beef becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in a well-seasoned sauce.
• Easy one-pot meal – Simple preparation with minimal cleanup.
• Customizable spice level – Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
• Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
• Traditional and comforting – A classic dish enjoyed in Mexican and Latin American cuisine.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

Sear the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef cubes in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

3. In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Simmer the Stew

5. Return the browned beef to the pot.
6. Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine.
7. Add the bay leaf, sliced carrots, and diced bell pepper. Stir well.
8. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

Thicken the Gravy

9. In a small bowl, mix the flour with ¼ cup water to create a slurry.
10. Stir the slurry into the stew and let it cook for another 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Finish & Serve

11. Remove the bay leaf. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and stir.
12. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or warm tortillas.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
• Vegetable Addition: Include potatoes, peas, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or enjoy on its own as a stew.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Beer-Infused Flavor: Replace some of the water with a dark beer for added depth.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

What is the best cut of beef for Carne Guisada?

Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender when slow-cooked, but other cuts like beef stew meat or brisket also work well.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics before transferring everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How do I make Carne Guisada spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Can I make this dish without flour?

Yes, you can omit the flour or use cornstarch as a thickener for a gluten-free version.

What can I serve with Carne Guisada?

It pairs well with white or Mexican rice, refried beans, tortillas, or warm bread.

How can I enhance the flavor?

A splash of Worcestershire sauce, a bay leaf, or a bit of dark beer can deepen the flavors.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes can be used in place of fresh tomatoes.

Is Carne Guisada the same as beef stew?

Carne Guisada has a spiced, tomato-based sauce, while traditional beef stew often has a milder, broth-based sauce with potatoes and vegetables.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors develop even more if made a day in advance. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but the cooking time will be shorter—about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Conclusion

Carne Guisada is a deeply flavorful, slow-cooked beef stew perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal. With its rich tomato-based gravy, tender meat, and aromatic spices, it is a staple in many Latin American kitchens. Serve it with rice, warm tortillas, or beans for a truly comforting dish. Whether you make it for a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this one-pot recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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Carne Guisada

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A rich and flavorful slow-cooked beef stew with tender chunks of meat simmered in a spiced tomato-based gravy. Perfectly paired with rice or warm tortillas, this comforting dish is packed with deep, savory flavors.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner, Stews, Comfort Food
• Method: Slow Cooking, Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican, Latin American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• Juice of 1 lime

 

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sear the Beef:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
   • Brown the beef cubes in batches, then set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
   • Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined.

3. Simmer the Stew:

   • Return the beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and water.
   • Add bay leaf, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir well.
   • Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Thicken the Gravy:

   • Mix flour with ¼ cup water to make a slurry.
   • Stir into the stew and let cook for another 10 minutes until thickened.

5. Finish & Serve:

   • Remove the bay leaf, squeeze in fresh lime juice, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
   • Serve hot with rice or warm tortillas.

 

Notes

• Meat Substitutes: You can use pork or chicken instead of beef for variation.
• Slow Cooker Option: Brown the beef, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Spice Level: Adjust chili powder for more heat, or add a chopped jalapeño for extra kick.