Carne Guisada
My carne guisada recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef chunks in the most incredible gravy ever. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, showcasing rich flavors that warm the soul. This dish stands out with its savory spices and hearty texture, making it a favorite among Mexican food lovers. Whether you’re serving it with rice or using it as a filling for tacos, carne guisada is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Savory: The blend of spices and slow cooking creates a rich and deep flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can prepare this delicious meal without stress.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special celebration, carne guisada fits right in.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, in tacos, or with warm tortillas for a delightful meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making carne guisada, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having the proper kitchen equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for simmering the beef and allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat, keeping your kitchen organized.
Ingredients
For the Carne Guisada
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 2 pounds chuck steak (cubed)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups beef broth
How to Make Carne Guisada
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Begin by heating oil in a pot over medium heat. Once hot, add onions and cook until they become translucent. Add garlic and continue cooking until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Then, add peppers and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Fresh Tomatoes
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Next, add tomatoes to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Seasonings
Add flour to the pot and cook until heated through. Pour in the soup and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed to keep the mixture from getting too thick.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once the meat is tender, serve the carne guisada warm and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
With these detailed steps, you’re sure to create a delicious carne guisada that everyone will love!
How to Serve Carne Guisada
Carne guisada is a delicious and hearty dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, here are some fantastic serving suggestions to enhance your carne guisada experience.
With Rice
- White Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful gravy.
- Spanish Rice: Adds a bit of spice and color to your plate.
In Tacos
- Corn Tortillas: Warm tortillas filled with carne guisada make for a delightful handheld meal.
- Flour Tortillas: Soft and chewy, these tortillas can hold generous amounts of meat.
Over Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve carne guisada over buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting dish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The garlic flavor enhances the richness of the meat.
With Beans
- Refried Beans: A traditional side that complements the flavors of carne guisada perfectly.
- Black Beans: Serve alongside for added protein and fiber.
How to Perfect Carne Guisada
To achieve the best carne guisada, follow these simple tips that will elevate your dish to perfection.
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Use chuck steak for its tenderness when slow-cooked.
- Sear the Meat Well: Browning adds depth and flavor to the dish.
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Let it cook low and slow for at least two hours for tender meat.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Always taste as you go; feel free to add more spices if desired.
- Garnish Before Serving: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch and enhances the presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Carne Guisada
Pairing sides with carne guisada can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that work beautifully with this savory dish.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese and spices adds sweetness.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip brings a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of carne guisada.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa make an excellent appetizer.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime and cilantro complements the beef’s richness.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains provide a delightful contrast to savory dishes like carne guisada.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles brighten up your plate with their acidity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making carne guisada can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor. Take the time to brown it properly before adding other ingredients.
- Not seasoning adequately: Flavor is key in carne guisada. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook for a more delicious result.
- Using too much heat: Cooking on high heat can make the beef tough. Slow and low is the way to go for tender meat.
- Overcooking vegetables: Add vegetables at the right time to keep them from becoming mushy. Incorporate them after browning the meat for best results.
- Neglecting simmer time: Carne guisada benefits from a long simmer. Don’t rush this step; it ensures that flavors meld beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store carne guisada in an airtight container.
- It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Carne Guisada
- Freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Carne Guisada
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about carne guisada that may help clarify your cooking process.
What is carne guisada?
Carne guisada is a hearty beef stew typically made with cubed beef, vegetables, and spices simmered in a rich gravy.
How do I make carne guisada more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight or adding fresh herbs like cilantro during cooking.
Can I use different cuts of meat for carne guisada?
Yes! While chuck steak is traditional, you can also use brisket or round cuts for similar results.
How do I thicken my carne guisada?
If your gravy is too thin, add a slurry of flour and water towards the end of cooking and stir until thickened.
Final Thoughts
This carne guisada recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite spices or serve it over rice or tortillas. Give it a try, and enjoy its warm, hearty goodness!
Carne Guisada
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves about six people 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of carne guisada, a traditional Mexican beef stew featuring tender chunks of slow-cooked chuck steak simmered in a rich, savory gravy. This delightful dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, showcasing an array of aromatic spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether served over fluffy rice, wrapped in warm tortillas, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes, carne guisada is sure to warm your heart and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 2 pounds chuck steak (cubed)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Brown the cubed chuck steak on all sides. Add chopped bell pepper and cook for an additional few minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes, cooking for another couple of minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Pour in beef broth and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to low.
- Cover and let simmer for about two hours, stirring occasionally until the meat is tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
