Carne Guisada is a warm and tender beef stew that’s full of flavor. It combines juicy pieces of meat with potatoes, carrots, and spices for a hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal!
I love serving it over rice or with some warm tortillas on the side. It just warms the heart and soul! Plus, it makes the house smell amazing while cooking—who could resist that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is great for stews because it becomes tender when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for alternatives, try brisket or round roast, which are also flavorful, but may require slightly different cooking times.
Vegetable Oil: While I recommend vegetable oil for browning the meat, you can use olive oil or canola oil if you prefer. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they all work well!
Onion and Garlic: Both add depth to the dish. If you’re short on onions, shallots can work too. For garlic lovers, you can always add more than the recipe calls for—just keep it balanced!
Carrots and Potatoes: Feel free to swap these veggies with parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist. Also, adding bell peppers can introduce even more flavor!
Dried Herbs: Cumin and oregano bring amazing warmth to the stew. If you’re out of cumin, coriander can be a good substitute. Fresh herbs are lovely if you have them, just use more since they’re less concentrated.
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Tender?
Getting the beef nice and tender is all about the cooking time and heat. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Brown the beef in batches—this helps it get a nice crust and locks in juices.
- Cook at a low heat and let it simmer covered for at least an hour. This gentle heat helps break down the fibers in the meat.
- Check for tenderness by poking the beef with a fork; it should easily fall apart when it’s ready.
Don’t rush this step! Letting it cook longer makes a world of difference.
How to Make Carne Guisada
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Carne Guisada takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook. It’s an easy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
First, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef chunks in batches. Brown them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. This step adds great flavor! After browning, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft, which should take about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. The kitchen will smell wonderful!
3. Combining Ingredients:
Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, cumin, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and some salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmering the Stew:
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef starts to become tender. This slow cooking makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
5. Adding Vegetables:
Next, add the carrot and potato chunks to the pot. Cover and continue simmering for another 30-40 minutes, or until both the vegetables and beef are tender. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you’d like!
6. Serving the Dish:
When everything is ready, serve your Carne Guisada hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side. Enjoy it over rice or with warm tortillas for a comforting meal that everyone will love!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat for Carne Guisada?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time based on the cut you choose, as they may require longer cooking to become tender.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Carne Guisada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of broth can help restore moisture if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes, if you like more heat, you can add additional crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce to the pot while cooking. Adjust to your taste, but start small to avoid overwhelming spice levels!