Description
Carne Guisada is a traditional, hearty stew featuring tender beef chunks simmered in a flavorful tomato and spice-infused broth. This comforting dish combines seared beef, sautéed vegetables, and a blend of warm spices, slow-cooked to perfection for rich, melt-in-your-mouth results. Perfect for a satisfying family meal, Carne Guisada is often garnished with fresh cilantro and served alongside rice or warm tortillas.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 2 pounds Beef Stew Meat (cuts like chuck roast or brisket for tenderness)
Vegetables
- 1 large Onion (yellow or white, chopped)
- 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (chopped, any color pepper can be substituted)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Tomatoes (fresh or canned, diced)
Liquids
- 4 cups Beef Broth (low-sodium or homemade recommended)
Condiments and Spices
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This initial step is crucial for searing the meat properly.
- Sear the Beef: Add the beef stew meat to the hot oil and sear on all sides until deeply browned. This locks in flavor and develops the stew’s rich base.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Incorporate the diced tomatoes into the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they break down and meld with the vegetables.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, then add tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine all elements evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors develop deeply.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking and allow the sauce to thicken.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top as a bright, fresh garnish just before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use well-marbled beef cuts like chuck roast which become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- If fresh tomatoes are not available, canned diced tomatoes work equally well and add a consistent acidity.
- Adjust chili powder quantity to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- Serve Carne Guisada with rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and often taste even better the next day.
