Authentic Carne Guisada Recipe – Tender Mexican Beef Stew

Authentic Carne Guisada Recipe – Tender Mexican Beef Stew

If you’re craving a hearty Mexican comfort food, this Carne Guisada recipe is the perfect choice. This traditional Mexican beef stew features tender chunks of slow-simmered beef cooked with onions, spices, and tomato for a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s an easy one-pan dinner recipe that pairs perfectly with warm flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes.

This homemade Carne Guisada is packed with protein and bold flavors, making it a satisfying meal for family dinners or weekend cooking.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs stew meat (chuck beef works best for tender results)
• 1 tablespoon oil (lard, bacon grease, or vegetable oil)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 3 tablespoons tomato sauce or 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water or chicken stock
• Flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes for serving

Directions

1. Brown the beef:
   Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the stew meat, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned on all sides.
2. Add seasonings:
   Stir in the tomato sauce (or diced tomato), garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the spices coat the meat evenly.
3. Thicken the sauce:
   Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir thoroughly to combine.
4. Add liquid:
   Pour in the water or chicken stock while stirring to prevent lumps and create a smooth gravy.
5. Simmer until tender:
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 1½ hours, or until the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
6. Taste and adjust:
   Taste the stew and adjust salt or spices if needed.
7. Serve:
   Serve hot with warm flour tortillas, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Enjoy this comforting homemade Carne Guisada with your favorite sides!

Benefits of Carne Guisada

• High in protein: Beef provides essential nutrients and helps keep you full longer.
• Rich in iron: Supports energy levels and overall health.
• Comforting and satisfying: A hearty stew perfect for family meals.
• Versatile dish: Can be served with tortillas, rice, or potatoes.

Tips for the Best Carne Guisada

✔ Choose the right beef: Chuck roast or stew meat works best because it becomes tender during slow cooking.

✔ Low and slow cooking: Simmering gently helps the beef become juicy and flavorful.

✔ Add extra flavor: A pinch of paprika or chili powder can enhance the traditional taste.

✔ Make it ahead: Like many stews, Carne Guisada tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

✔ Thicker gravy tip: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes..