Easy Carne Guisada

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carne Guisada is a comforting, savory stew full of deep, hearty flavors. The beef is tender and juicy, cooked low and slow in a flavorful broth with cumin, chili powder, and a touch of tomato paste for depth. The addition of bell peppers and onions brings sweetness and texture, while the beef broth ties everything together in a rich, satisfying sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or tortillas, and it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
• 2 pounds chuck steak, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups beef broth

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chuck steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
3. Add the tomato paste and spices: Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become fragrant.
4. Thicken the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Add the tomatoes and broth: Add the diced tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Simmer the carne guisada: Return the browned beef to the pot, stirring to combine with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve the carne guisada over rice, with tortillas, or alongside your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy option: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Vegetable add-ins: You can add other vegetables such as carrots or potatoes to the stew for added texture and flavor.
• Slow cooker version: After browning the beef, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
• Pressure cooker version: If you’re using a pressure cooker, brown the beef as directed, then add the broth, tomatoes, and spices. Cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover carne guisada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Cool the carne guisada completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the carne guisada on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for carne guisada?

While chuck steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked, you can also use other cuts like brisket, round, or stew meat. Just be sure to cook it long enough for the meat to become tender.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, carne guisada is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can make carne guisada in the slow cooker by browning the beef first, then adding everything to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also add a slurry of flour and water to help thicken the sauce.

Can I add potatoes to this recipe?

Yes! Adding diced potatoes to the stew will make it even heartier. Add them after browning the beef, and let them cook along with the rest of the ingredients until tender.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

For more heat, add some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers, or increase the amount of chili powder or cumin in the recipe. You can also add some hot sauce to the finished dish.

Can I make carne guisada without flour?

If you prefer not to use flour, you can skip the flour step and let the stew simmer longer to naturally thicken. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.

How can I serve carne guisada?

Carne guisada is traditionally served over rice or with warm tortillas. It can also be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even in a bowl with your favorite sides.

Can I freeze carne guisada?

Yes, you can freeze carne guisada. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How long should I cook carne guisada?

Carne guisada should simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to ensure the beef becomes tender and the sauce thickens. If you’re using a slow cooker or pressure cooker, adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Carne Guisada is a deliciously hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With tender beef, aromatic spices, and a rich, savory sauce, this stew is a true comfort food classic. Whether served over rice, in tacos, or with tortillas, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, it’s easy to make and great for leftovers, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

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