If you have a craving for a rich, hearty, and soulful meal, this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. This classic Tex-Mex stew brings tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef cubes slow-cooked in a deeply flavorful sauce bursting with warm spices, fresh vegetables, and a touch of tomato goodness. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create the magic in this dish. Each one plays an essential role, from the tender beef and savory broth forming the stew’s hearty base to the colorful veggies and spices layering on fantastic flavors and textures.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes): The star of the dish, slow-braised to fall-apart tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For a perfect sear that locks in flavor and juices.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the stew’s sauce.
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped): Brings a bright, fresh crunch that balances richness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Essential aromatic that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds body, color, and a lovely umami punch.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Warm, earthy spice that gives the stew its signature taste.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: A mild kick to brighten the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky undertones and vibrant color.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Herbal note that complements the other spices beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little bite to round out the seasoning.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: The simmering liquid that tenderizes meat and infuses taste.
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained): Adds tanginess and a subtle, zesty heat.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle woody aroma throughout the stew.
How to Make Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating oil in your Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides until they develop a rich, golden crust. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and builds a deep flavor base for your stew. Once browned, set the beef aside to rest while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Lower the heat slightly and add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook them until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about five minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrant aroma. This mixture is where your sauce begins to develop its complex, inviting character.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for two minutes, which intensifies its sweetness and richness. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and tomato paste, stirring constantly for an additional minute to create a roux. This will thicken the stew and give it that perfect velvety texture you crave in a hearty braise.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Return the browned beef to the pot and sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat every piece of meat with these warm, aromatic spices. Then, pour in the beef broth and the canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, complete with their juices, adding rich depth and a slight kick. Don’t forget to toss in the bay leaf; it adds that subtle background essence that makes the stew truly special.
Step 5: Braise to Tender Perfection
Bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer. Cover it, reduce the heat to low, and let the beef braise slowly for about one and a half to two hours. During this time, the meat will soak up all the vibrant flavors while becoming incredibly tender. By the time it’s done, you’ll have a thick, luscious sauce coating each bite of fall-apart meat. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
How to Serve Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh toppings can elevate your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe to the next level. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lime adds bright acidity that balances the richness beautifully. For a creamy twist, try a dollop of sour cream or a handful of shredded cheese.
Side Dishes
Carne Guisada pairs wonderfully with warm flour tortillas, perfect for scooping up that flavorful sauce. You can also serve it alongside fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a simple side of black beans. These sides soak up every bit of the stew’s delicious juices, making each bite unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Carne Guisada into a taco night star or a comforting burrito filling? It’s equally fantastic served over roasted vegetables or spooned on top of crispy tostadas for an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and let your taste buds guide the way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The wonderful thing about this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is that the flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal even better.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, this stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Carne Guisada gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave it in a covered dish to retain moisture. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This way, every bite stays juicy and delicious.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe?
Beef stew meat, usually from chuck or round, is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slowly braised. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to break down beautifully over time.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Adding extra chili powder or some chopped fresh jalapeños can amp up the heat. Alternatively, serve with spicy salsa on the side to customize the spice level per guest.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce instead of all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How long does it take to make Carne Guisada?
The total time is around two hours, including about 15 minutes of prep and 1 hour 45 minutes of cooking. The slow braising creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture you want.
Can I use a slow cooker to make this dish?
You certainly can. After searing the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The flavors will develop beautifully, and the meat will be tender.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its rich flavors and tender meat make it a true crowd-pleaser anytime you want a meal that’s both satisfying and special. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can create something so utterly delicious and memorable.
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Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Carne Guisada is a comforting Tex-Mex braised beef stew featuring tender cubes of beef simmered in a flavorful tomato and green chile sauce. This hearty dish combines aromatic spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika with vegetables such as bell peppers and onions. Perfect served with warm tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s ideal for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches and sear it until browned on all sides. This browning will develop rich flavor. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Create the Roux Base: Add tomato paste to the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly and cooking for another minute to form a roux which will thicken the sauce.
- Combine and Season: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add the bay leaf for flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Braise the Beef: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the stew gently braise for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the stew before serving. Serve hot alongside warm flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve with warm flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
- For extra richness and depth of flavor, add a splash of beer along with the beef broth when simmering.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
