Let the rich taste of Carne Guisada chase away your cold-weather doldrums. This hearty beef stew is comfort food at its finest.
Every culture has its own styles of comfort food. Whether it’s a bowl of southern-style mashed potatoes and gravy with a fried chicken leg sitting in the middle or a big plate of saag paneer over fragrant basmati rice with warm naan, comfort food knows no bounds—and we all need a pile of something hearty every now and then.
Carne guisada is a Latin American specialty comfort food. It’s popular in many different countries, from Puerto Rico to Mexico, and has made its way into Tex-Mex cuisine, so you’ll find it in Texas as well. As with any regional comfort food, there are a thousand different ways to make it, and all of them are equally delicious.
At its core, carne guisada is a rich and hearty beef stew with complex flavors. In addition to the beef, it also contains bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomato paste, and lots of different warm spices. Thick and robust, with fall-apart tender meat, it’s traditionally served over white rice but is equally delicious with tortillas. No matter how you enjoy it, each bite is sure to be mouthwateringly delicious.
Tips for a tender guisada
To ensure tender results in carne guisada, start by using the right cut of beef. The recipe calls for stew meat, and it’s best to choose stew meat made of beef chuck, beef round, or blade steak. For added flavor and texture, sear the meat in small batches instead of one big batch. This helps crisp the outside, lock in flavor, and keep the meat moist. Patience is key when cooking carne guisada, so simmer the meat low and slow for at least 90 minutes. This process tenderizes the meat, softens the collagen, and renders the fat, resulting in a rich, flavorful dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be left to cool completely, then you can transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 4 months. Just be sure to freeze it in a freezer-safe container and let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating it on the stove.
Serving suggestions
Make it a Mexican fiesta! Pair the carne guisada with Cauliflower Tortillas or Gluten-Free Tortillas With Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Classic appetizers include Fried Tortilla Chips, Tomatillo Salsa, and this Easy Guacamole. Some sides to go with your masterpiece include Refried Beans, Mexican Rice, and Pinto Beans. Finally, some folks swear by serving the carne guisada over mashed potatoes (try The Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe), so it’s worth a shot!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides.
- Remove the beef and add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Return the beef to the pot. Stir in cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat and vegetables, stirring well to coat. Add beef broth and tomato paste, mixing well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the meat is fork-tender. Serve and garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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