Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
If you’re craving a Tex-Mex classic that warms your soul and brings a smile to every table, Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) is the one-pot wonder you need in your life. This hearty beef stew combines melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef with a colorful medley of peppers, onions, and a deeply savory, spiced sauce that begs to be scooped up with a soft flour tortilla or spooned lovingly over rice. With every bite of Carne Guisada (Braised Beef), you’ll taste slow-cooked comfort and the blend of simple ingredients that somehow become so much more together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) lies in humble ingredients, each chosen for its unique contribution. From the tender beef to aromatic veggies and warming spices, every element comes together to create layers of flavor and unbeatable texture.
- Vegetable oil: Provides a neutral, high-heat base for browning the beef to perfection.
- Beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes): Chuck roast offers rich marbling, ensuring the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it braises.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that rounds out the earthy notes of the beef.
- Onion (medium, chopped): The aromatic backbone, imparting subtle sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Green bell pepper (chopped): Contributes gentle bitterness and vibrant color for both taste and presentation.
- Garlic cloves (minced): A must for depth of flavor—you’ll notice the difference in every bite.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce with umami and provides a lovely reddish hue.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just enough to cling to every morsel of meat.
- Beef broth: The heart of the braise, infusing richness and keeping everything juicy.
- Diced tomatoes (optional): Adds extra acidity and texture—feel free to include or skip, depending on your preference.
- Ground cumin: Delivers a signature warmth and a hint of smokiness quintessential to Tex-Mex cuisine.
- Chili powder: Adds a whisper of heat and earthy depth that rounds out the stew.
- Bay leaf: Infuses a gentle herbal note that subtly perfumes the entire pot.
How to Make Carne Guisada (Braised Beef)
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or hefty pot over medium-high heat. Season your beef cubes with salt and pepper, then, working in batches, brown them on every side. Don’t rush this step—good browning equals deep, savory flavor. Once browned, set the beef aside so the pot is ready for veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
With the heat reduced to medium, toss in the chopped onions and green bell pepper. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re soft and starting to release their sweetness. Add the minced garlic next, letting it sizzle for about a minute for that unmistakable aroma.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Spoon in the tomato paste and stir frequently, letting it cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Sprinkle the flour over everything and stir until the veggies and aromatics are nicely coated—this is what will give your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) its velvety, rich sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Now, the magic starts to happen. Return the browned beef to the pot along with any delicious drippings left on the plate. Pour in beef broth, add the diced tomatoes if you want a touch more tang, then season with cumin, chili powder, and drop in the bay leaf. Stir everything together lovingly.
Step 5: Braise to Tender Perfection
Bring the stew up to a gentle simmer, then cover, lower the heat, and let it do its thing for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Check occasionally, giving it a stir so nothing sticks. When the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is thick and glossy, it’s time to remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed. Your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) is now ready for a grand entrance.
How to Serve Carne Guisada (Braised Beef)
Garnishes
Top your stew with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, a handful of diced onions, or a few slices of fresh jalapeño for color and pop. A squeeze of lime right before serving really elevates the flavors, making each spoonful taste extra vibrant.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) like fluffy rice, warm flour tortillas, or buttery mashed potatoes. If you’re in the mood for something classic, serve it with refried beans and a crisp salad to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and spoon the braised beef over crispy tostadas for a fun twist or stuff it into warm tortillas for irresistible tacos. Layer it with rice in burrito bowls, or even spoon it over cheesy nachos for an unforgettable appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making this dish even tastier the next day!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this stew. Simply portion cooled Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, label and date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For the microwave, use a covered, microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between rounds for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef if I don’t have chuck roast?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after braising, stew meat or even brisket can work. Just make sure to cut the beef into bite-sized cubes and allow plenty of time for them to become truly tender.
Is Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) spicy?
By default, this recipe is flavorful but mild, with just a gentle heat from chili powder. If you love spice, feel free to add a diced jalapeño to the pot or use a spicier chili powder to suit your tastes.
Can I make Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Sear the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first for best flavor, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
What’s the difference between Carne Guisada and regular beef stew?
Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) boasts Tex-Mex seasonings like cumin and chili powder, plus the addition of bell peppers and tomato paste, giving it a bolder, richer profile than your typical beef stew.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You certainly can! Just use a larger pot or divide the ingredients between two pots, and keep everything else the same. Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) is a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or when meal prepping for the week ahead.
Final Thoughts
Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) is a dish that wraps you in comfort from the very first bite, delivering bold, savory flavors and tender, juicy beef topped with your favorite fixings. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with someone you love—the warmth and deliciousness are simply irresistible!
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Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender chunks of beef braised in a flavorful Tex-Mex inspired sauce, Carne Guisada is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a Dutch oven, brown beef cubes, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Cook onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft. Add tomato paste, flour, and stir.
- Cook the Stew: Return beef to pot, add broth, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and bay leaf. Simmer covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, sear the meat deeply and use homemade beef broth if possible.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
