Mexican Carne Guisada Recipe
When I think of carne guisada, my taste buds start to tingle with excitement. It’s not just the meat stew itself that captivates me; it’s the symphony of flavors that come alive when you pair it with the right sides.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 436 kcal
- 3 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper diced
- 3 large Roma tomatoes chopped
- 1 tablespoon concentrated tomato paste
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 3-4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small jalapeño pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Step 2: Sear the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef. Sear it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s brown on all sides.
Browning the meat adds depth to the flavor by developing those glorious caramelized bits.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly. You want them soft but still vibrant.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Spices
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Let them mingle for a minute.
Then, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to coat those veggies.
Step 5: Add the Beef Back In
Step 6: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Stir occasionally. If you want it thicker, you can uncover it halfway through. It’s a slow dance of flavors developing.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (optional)
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Once the beef is tender and the sauce has reached your preferred consistency, remove it from heat. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, and enjoy it alongside the sides we've discussed!
- Don’t Rush It: Low and slow is the name of the game. The longer you cook, the more tender the meat will become.
- Quality Ingredients: Use good quality beef and fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
- Add Heat to Taste: If you like it spicy, consider adding more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Make Ahead: This dish tastes phenomenal the next day, so make it a day ahead if you can.
- Freeze for Later: Carne guisada freezes well. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers for a quick meal down the road.
Serving: 476gCalories: 436kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 57gFat: 16.3gSaturated Fat: 6.6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 709mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g
Keyword Mexican Carne Guisada Recipe