Carne Guisada, or Braised Beef, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is a staple in many Latin American kitchens. This slow-cooked beef stew is rich, tender, and infused with aromatic spices, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Pair it with rice, beans, or warm tortillas for an authentic experience.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Hearty Flavor:ย The combination of slow-cooked beef, tomatoes, and spices creates a dish that is deeply satisfying.
- Customizable:ย Easily adjust the spices or add vegetables to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep:ย This dish tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent option for leftovers.
- Versatile Serving Options:ย Serve with tortillas, rice, or beans for a complete meal.
- Minimal Effort:ย Once the initial prep is done, the dish cooks slowly, requiring minimal attention.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef chuck or stew meat
- Oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Onion, diced
- Bell peppers, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomatoes, diced (fresh or canned)
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Beef:ย Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Meat:ย Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches to develop a rich flavor. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:ย In the same pot, sautรฉ the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Base:ย Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add Liquid:ย Return the beef to the pot, along with the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:ย Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve:ย Remove bay leaves and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4-6
- Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 2 hours
- Total Time:ย 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions:ย Add carrots, potatoes, or peas for extra heartiness.
- Spice Level:ย Adjust the chili powder to make it milder or spicier.
- Protein Alternatives:ย Substitute beef with pork or chicken for a different take on the dish.
- Thicker Sauce:ย Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Herbal Twist:ย Experiment with different herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for a unique flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Allow the dish to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing:ย Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:ย Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for Carne Guisada?
Beef chuck or stew meat is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, sear the meat and sautรฉ the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Use a cornstarch slurry or let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep.
What can I serve with Carne Guisada?
Serve with rice, beans, tortillas, or even mashed potatoes.
Is this dish spicy?
Itโs mildly spiced, but you can adjust the chili powder to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned diced tomatoes work perfectly and save prep time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Whatโs the best way to reheat Carne Guisada?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I add other spices?
Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or even a pinch of cinnamon for added depth.
Conclusion
Carne Guisada is a comforting and versatile dish thatโs perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. Its rich, savory flavors and tender beef make it a standout meal thatโs sure to impress. Customize it to your liking, pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the warm, hearty taste of this classic recipe.
Print
Carne Guisada (Braised Beef)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Carne Guisada is a traditional Mexican dish featuring tender beef chunks simmered in a savory gravy made with tomatoes, onions, and spices. Itโs perfect served over rice or with warm tortillas.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Add the beef to the pot in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sautรฉ Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sautรฉ until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and bay leaf. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
- Deglaze and Combine:
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Return the seared beef to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
- If a thicker gravy is desired, dissolve 2 tablespoons of flour in 1/4 cup of cold water to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot over rice or with warm tortillas.
Notes
- For added heat, consider adding a chopped jalapeรฑo or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- This dish can also be prepared in a slow cooker. After searing the beef and sautรฉing the vegetables, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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