Hearty Homestyle Carne Guisada Recipe: Pure Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty carne guisada brings comfort straight from traditional Mexican kitchens with slow-simmered tender beef.

Aromatic spices dance through rich, velvety sauce layers creating deep flavor profiles.

Generations have cherished this classic stew passed down through loving hands.

Warm memories emerge when meat becomes impossibly soft and fragrant.

Rich brown gravy coats each tender chunk with incredible depth.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical that feels like a culinary embrace.

Let’s transform your dinner into an authentic Mexican experience that promises satisfaction in every delicious bite.

Carne Guisada That’s Rich, Savory, and Satisfying

• Beef stew requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complex techniques.
• The slow simmering process magically turns tough beef chunks into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat, creating a rich and satisfying dining experience with minimal active cooking time.
• Packed with hearty ingredients and warm spices, this one-pot meal appeals to both adults and kids, offering a nutritious and filling dinner that everyone will enjoy without complicated ingredients.
• Easy to serve with multiple side options like rice, beans, or tortillas, this carne guisada adapts beautifully to different preferences and can be prepared ahead for convenient weeknight or weekend meals.

Ingredients That Give Carne Guisada Its Signature Flavor

• Beef Chunks: Hearty meat that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, best with chuck or stew meat for rich texture.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: Classic flavor base that adds depth and subtle sweetness to the stew, fresh ingredients provide the best flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the meat's natural flavor.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Warm spice blend that creates a complex, traditional Mexican-style profile, whole spices are preferable for more intense flavor.

• Beef Broth: Rich liquid that helps tenderize meat and create a savory base, low-sodium broth allows better control of saltiness.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Acidic components that add brightness and help thicken the sauce, canned tomatoes work well.

• Flour, Water: Creates a slurry to give the stew a rich, smooth consistency.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for searing meat and sautéing vegetables, ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, clean flavor to finish the dish.

How to Simmer Carne Guisada to Tender Perfection

Step 1: Sear Succulent Beef Chunks

Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat

Add beef in batches

Brown meat on all sides until deep golden color develops

Transfer seared beef to a separate plate

Step 2: Awaken Vegetable Flavors

Use same pot without cleaning

Add fresh vegetable oil

• Chopped onions
• Diced green bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Saute until vegetables become soft and fragrant

Step 3: Create Robust Sauce Base

Pour in diced tomatoes

Mix in tomato paste

• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano

Stir until vegetables are completely coated

Step 4: Develop Deep Flavor Profile

Return browned beef to pot

Pour beef broth

Scrape bottom of pot to release caramelized bits

Cover and reduce heat

Simmer gently until beef becomes fork-tender

Step 5: Thicken Stew Perfectly

Whisk flour with water

Create smooth slurry

Slowly incorporate into stew

Cook uncovered

Allow sauce to reach desired consistency

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro

Serve alongside warm rice

Pair with black beans

Accompany with soft tortillas

Tips to Deepen Flavor in Your Carne Guisada

• Optimize Meat Browning: Work in small batches to achieve perfect caramelization, preventing steaming and ensuring deep, rich flavor development for your carne guisada.
• Spice Balance Trick: Bloom spices briefly in hot oil before adding liquid to enhance their aromatic qualities and release maximum flavor potential in the stew.
• Tenderize Strategically: Choose tough, budget-friendly beef cuts like chuck roast, which become incredibly soft after slow, low-temperature cooking for 1.5-2 hours.
• Low and Slow Technique: Maintain a gentle simmer to break down meat fibers gradually, preventing toughness and creating melt-in-your-mouth texture without drying out the beef.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening the sauce, ensuring the dish remains accessible for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Carne Guisada

• Store leftover carne guisada in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the stew cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Heat until steaming and reach 165°F internal temperature.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots.

Serve Carne Guisada With These Winning Sides

• Select a bold red like Malbec or Tempranillo to complement the rich, spicy flavors of carne guisada. These wines share similar robust characteristics and stand up beautifully to the hearty meat stew.
• Serve with warm, fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. The mild rice provides a perfect neutral backdrop that lets the stew's complex spices shine through without competing.
• Warm corn tortillas make an ideal partner, allowing diners to create mini tacos or use them for scooping up tender beef chunks. They add a delightful textural contrast and authentic Mexican touch to the meal.
• Add a bright, zesty lime-based salsa or quick pico de gallo on the side. The fresh, acidic elements will cut through the stew's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the deep, slow-cooked flavors.

Flavor Switch-Ups for Traditional Carne Guisada

• Slow Cooker Option: Transfer browned meat, sautéed vegetables, and sauce ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef becomes fork-tender, creating a hands-off method for busy home cooks.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace beef with hearty jackfruit or seitan chunks. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, maintaining the rich spice profile while creating a plant-based alternative.
• Lean Protein Swap: Substitute beef with lean turkey or chicken thighs, reducing fat content while preserving the authentic Mexican-style stew flavor profile. Adjust cooking time to prevent meat from drying out.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cornstarch instead of wheat flour for thickening. Ensure all spices and broth are certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Common Questions About Carne Guisada, Answered

• What makes carne guisada different from other beef stews?

Carne guisada is a traditional Latin American beef stew featuring tender meat slow-cooked with bold spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, which gives it a distinctive, rich flavor profile compared to other beef stews.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While beef is traditional, you can substitute with pork or goat meat for a similar cooking method and flavor experience. Just ensure you adjust cooking times based on the meat’s tenderness.

• How do I know when the beef is properly cooked?

The beef is done when it becomes extremely tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork, which typically occurs after 1½ to 2 hours of slow simmering. The meat should be soft and almost falling apart.

• Is this dish spicy?

Carne guisada is typically mild to moderately spiced. The chili powder and spices provide depth of flavor without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder used.

Carne Guisada Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Mexican carne guisada delivers pure comfort with tender beef slow-simmered in rich, spicy gravy. Soulful ingredients blend perfectly, promising a memorable meal that connects families and satisfies deep hunger with authentic Latin American warmth.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef by generously seasoning chunks with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating for robust flavor development.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling environment for meat searing.
3. Brown meat in batches, allowing each piece to develop a rich, caramelized exterior without overcrowding the cooking surface.
4. Remove seared beef and set aside, preserving the flavorful meat juices within the pot.
5. Introduce additional oil to the same pot and gently sweat onions, green bell peppers, and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
6. Incorporate diced tomatoes and tomato paste, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a foundational sauce.
7. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano over the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
8. Reintroduce the browned beef to the pot, creating a harmonious blend of meat and vegetables.
9. Pour beef broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape accumulated browned bits from the bottom, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.
10. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the stew to simmer gently, transforming tough meat into tender, succulent morsels.
11. Periodically stir the stew during the cooking process to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
12. Create a smooth flour and water slurry to naturally thicken the sauce’s consistency.
13. Gradually incorporate the slurry into the stew, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a velvety texture.
14. Finish the dish by uncovering the pot and allowing the sauce to reduce and intensify in flavor.
15. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside steamed rice, warm beans, or soft tortillas for a complete meal.

Notes

• Pat the beef dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear, creating a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in flavor.
• Use chuck roast or beef stew meat for maximum tenderness, as these cuts have excellent marbling that breaks down during slow cooking.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili powder and cumin to suit personal taste preferences or accommodate different heat tolerances.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting cornstarch for flour when thickening the sauce and using certified gluten-free beef broth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg