Carne Guisada Recipe is a beloved Latin American dish that features beef chunks simmered in a rich, aromatic gravy. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and cozy flavors, this dish is a perfect comfort meal for family dinners. The recipe can be customized to fit various cooking methods, including stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. This guide will take you through every step of making the perfect carne guisada, from selecting ingredients to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tender beef.

What is Carne Guisada?

Carne guisada, meaning “stewed meat” in Spanish, is a hearty beef stew that is a staple in many Mexican and Latin American households. It’s traditionally made by slowly simmering chunks of beef in a savory broth, creating a flavorful gravy that coats each piece of meat. Along with beef, vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes are often added to enhance the stew’s richness. What results is a comforting, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with tortillas, rice, or other traditional sides.

Why You’ll Love This Carne Guisada Recipe

• Simple & One-Pot: All the ingredients come together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Tender Beef: The stew uses cuts of beef that become melt-in-your-mouth tender after long, slow cooking.
• Versatile: You can prepare this dish on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot.
• Leftovers Are Better: The flavors intensify as it sits, so leftovers taste even better the next day.
• Quick Prep Time: Although the cooking time is long, preparation is minimal and easy.

Ingredients for Carne Guisada

To make carne guisada, you’ll need a few simple, yet flavorful ingredients.Here’s everything you’ll need: 

Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ tablespoons oil (neutral-flavored, like peanut or vegetable oil)
• 2 pounds chuck steak (cut into bite-sized cubes, or stew beef)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 large tomatoes (diced, fresh or canned)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to help thicken the gravy)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups beef broth (natural, with minimal additives)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro (chopped for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect carne guisada:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Beef

1. Warm the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. 
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the cubed chuck steak (or stew beef) to the pot and brown the meat on all sides. This process adds flavor, so be sure to sear the meat properly.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

1. Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors. 
2. Add the diced tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to combine. Let the flour cook for about 2 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

1. Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the meat and sauce.
2. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the stew starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
4. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Final Adjustments and Serve

1. After 2 hours, check the beef for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and juicy.
2. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preferences.
3. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While the stovetop method is simple, you can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make carne guisada.

Slow Cooker Method:

1. Follow the stovetop instructions for sautéing the onions, garlic, beef, and tomatoes.
2. Transfer the sautéed ingredients along with the remaining ingredients into your slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Instant Pot Method:

1. Use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to cook the onions, garlic, beef, and tomatoes as instructed above.
2. Once everything is sautéed, add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
3. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before serving.

Carne Guisada Nutrition Facts

Here’s an overview of the nutrition for one serving of carne guisada:

Note: The nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used.

Tips for Making Perfect Carne Guisada

• Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Chuck steak or stew beef is ideal for this recipe because these cuts are rich in collagen and fat, which breaks down during slow cooking to make the beef tender.
• Brown the Meat Well: Searing the beef in hot oil before adding the other ingredients helps to lock in juices and adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes to make the stew heartier.
• Bring Meat to Room Temperature: Let the beef sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Season to Taste: The spices in this recipe (cumin, chili powder) are key to flavor. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Can I Serve with Carne Guisada?

Carne guisada is best served with warm tortillas (flour or corn), rice, or even beans. You can also pair it with a side of guacamole, salsa, and a crisp salad.

Can I Make Carne Guisada Ahead of Time?

Yes, carne guisada is even better the next day. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it makes a great make-ahead meal. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

How Do I Thicken Carne Guisada?

If the stew isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can thicken it by making a slurry with cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water, then stir it into the stew to thicken.

Can I Use Beef Stew Meat?

Yes, beef stew meat works perfectly for carne guisada. It’s typically cut from tougher cuts of beef that become tender and juicy after long cooking.

Is Carne Guisada the Same as Carne Asada?

No, carne guisada is a slow-cooked beef stew, while carne asada is grilled beef. Both are popular Mexican dishes, but they are prepared differently.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Carne Guisada Recipe

Carne guisada is the perfect comfort food, whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for friends and family. The combination of tender beef, savory gravy, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is flavorful and satisfying. With easy preparation and a few cooking options, you can enjoy this classic Mexican stew no matter your kitchen setup.