There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen and catching the aroma of a slow-simmering stew. It instantly wraps you in comfort and warmth, like a familiar hug after a long day. One dish that brings this cozy feeling straight to your table is carne guisada. If you’ve never made it before, get ready to discover a hearty, flavorful stew that can quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
What Is Carne Guisada?
Carne guisada is a slow-cooked beef stew with rich, savory gravy. It’s a popular dish in Latin American, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Tex-Mex kitchens. The name literally means “stewed meat,” and that’s exactly what you’re making—tender beef simmered until it practically melts in your mouth.
Unlike other stews you may have tried, carne guisada focuses on bold, earthy flavors. It uses a simple combination of spices, fresh vegetables, and affordable cuts of beef that come together in the most comforting way. Some versions lean Tex-Mex with chili powder and thicker gravy, while others, like Puerto Rican variations, may include olives and potatoes for an added twist.
Why Carne Guisada Is the Perfect Comfort Food
Rich, Slow-Simmered Flavors
Carne guisada gets its signature flavor from patiently browning the beef and slowly simmering it until tender. When you give it time to develop, the flavors come alive.
Versatile and Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual get-together, or just meal-prepping for the week, carne guisada works. You can serve it over rice, in tortillas, or with mashed potatoes—it adapts to whatever you have on hand.
Made with Simple, Affordable Ingredients
You don’t need expensive cuts of meat or complicated ingredients to make this stew. With basic pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels rich and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or similar)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or use canned if fresh isn’t available)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: jalapeños for added heat, fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make Carne Guisada
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear it on all sides until browned. This step builds the deep, savory flavor you’re aiming for. Once browned, take the beef out and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper until they soften and become fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down into a sauce-like base.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth until the meat is mostly covered.
Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently. Cover and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmering allows the beef to become tender and the gravy to develop its rich flavor.
Step 4: Final Adjustments
In the last 15-20 minutes, uncover the pot to help the gravy thicken naturally. If you like a thicker sauce, you can also mix a small cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) and stir it in.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if you like. Serve your carne guisada hot with warm flour tortillas, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy carne guisada in many ways:
- Traditional Style: Scoop it into warm flour tortillas and enjoy it as a stew taco.
- Over Rice: Ladle the stew over white or Spanish rice for a filling meal.
- As Tacos: Add the carne guisada to taco shells, top with salsa, and serve with lime wedges.
- With Potatoes: Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a hearty twist.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Carne Guisada
- Use the Right Cut: Chuck roast or stew meat becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
- Brown the Meat Well: Don’t skip this step—it builds a deep, savory base.
- Cook Low and Slow: Rushing the process won’t give you the melt-in-your-mouth texture you want.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like spice, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make It Ahead: Carne guisada often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Variations You Can Try
Tex-Mex Style Carne Guisada
- Features a thicker gravy with stronger chili powder and cumin flavors.
- Often served with flour tortillas as tacos.
Puerto Rican Carne Guisada
- Includes potatoes, olives, and sometimes a hint of sofrito for added depth.
Spicy Carne Guisada
- Add serrano peppers, jalapeños, or chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky kick.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Freeze: You can freeze carne guisada (without the toppings) for up to 3 months. Let it cool before freezing.
- Reheat: Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
What’s the Best Cut of Beef for Carne Guisada?
Chuck roast or stew meat is ideal. These cuts become fork-tender when simmered for a long time.
Can I Make Carne Guisada in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How Do I Thicken Carne Guisada Gravy?
You can uncover the pot during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid naturally. Alternatively, add a cornstarch slurry for faster thickening.
What’s the Difference Between Carne Guisada and Regular Beef Stew?
Carne guisada is usually seasoned with Latin spices like cumin and chili powder and is often served with tortillas or rice. Traditional beef stew typically includes potatoes, carrots, and herbs and is served as a standalone dish.
Recipes You May Like
Carne guisada isn’t just a recipe—it’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and bold flavor to your home. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a meal to share with family, or a dish to impress guests, carne guisada always delivers.
Carne Guisada
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat chuck roast or similar
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped jalapeños (for heat), fresh cilantro for garnish Optional
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down.
Simmer the Stew:
- Return the beef to the pot. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth until the beef is mostly covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Thicken and Season:
- Uncover the pot for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh jalapeños or chipotle peppers.
- Carne guisada can be made a day in advance and tastes even better the next day.
- You can thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Excellent recipe, easy to do. Thanks for the tips.