04/09/2025
Carne Guisada is a delicious, flavorful Latin American beef stew that’s tender, savory, and full of rich, hearty flavors. It's popular in countries like Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other parts of the Caribbean, as well as in Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s typically made with beef, slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce with a variety of spices, resulting in a savory, melt-in-your-mouth dish.
Here's a classic Carne Guisada recipe:
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round, cut into cubes)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 cup beef broth (or water)
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1-2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional for a heartier dish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
Add the beef to the pot in batches, searing each side until browned. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce:
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and bay leaf to the pot.
Stir everything together to combine.
4. Simmer the Carne Guisada:
Return the browned beef to the pot, stirring to coat the meat in the sauce.
If you’re using potatoes, add them at this point.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally. If it gets too thick, you can add a bit more beef broth or water.
5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Once the beef is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more spices if desired.
Discard the bay leaf before serving.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh, bright flavor.
Serve the Carne Guisada with rice, warm tortillas, or even over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Enjoy your Carne Guisada—a comforting, flavorful dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion!
Let me know if you need any modifications or variations on this recipe!