Carne Guisada is a hearty and flavorful Latin-style beef stew, simmered to perfection with aromatic spices, tender beef, and vibrant vegetables. This dish is comforting, delicious, and perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how Carne Guisada combines rich, savory flavors with a hint of spice, making it the ultimate comfort food. The tender beef and thick, flavorful gravy pair wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread. This recipe is versatile, allowing for variations that cater to personal preferences, and it’s even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground oregano
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot oil until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it caramelize slightly.
Add the diced tomato, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano, stirring well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 10 minutes of cooking to thicken the stew. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
Protein Options: Substitute beef with pork or chicken for a different twist.
Vegetable Additions: Add diced potatoes, carrots, or peas for extra heartiness.
Spice Levels: Include jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
Herbs and Garnish: Swap cilantro for parsley if preferred.
Liquid Base: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the stew in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze Carne Guisada for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
What cuts of beef work best for Carne Guisada?
Beef chuck or stew meat is ideal for this dish because it becomes tender after slow cooking.
Can I make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?
Yes, sear the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How can I thicken the stew without cornstarch?
You can mash some of the softened vegetables into the broth or use a small amount of flour mixed with water as an alternative thickener.
What side dishes pair well with Carne Guisada?
Rice, tortillas, crusty bread, or even mashed potatoes complement the flavors of this stew perfectly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an excellent dish to prepare a day in advance.
Conclusion
Carne Guisada is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its rich blend of spices and tender beef creates a stew that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it with rice, tortillas, or a slice of bread, this recipe will warm you from the inside out.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Carne Guisada
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Carne Guisada is a rich and savory Latin beef stew, perfect for a comforting meal. With tender beef, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables, this hearty dish pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium tomato, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground oregano
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in the same pot for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to caramelize.
- Add diced tomato, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano, mixing well.
- Return beef to the pot, pour in beef broth, and add bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- (Optional) Add cornstarch slurry during the last 10 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice, tortillas, or bread.
Notes
Add diced potatoes, carrots, or peas for extra heartiness.
Adjust spice levels by adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
For a lighter stew, substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Latin
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
