Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) is the kind of heartwarming, flavor-packed dish that instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with the aromas of simmering spices and tender meat. This classic Tex-Mex comfort food brings together juicy beef, a rich and savory sauce, and just the right amount of spice, making every bite a celebration of bold flavors and home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice, tucking it into warm tortillas, or enjoying it straight from the pot, this recipe promises a satisfying meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the magic behind Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) and see why it deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) truly special is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create layers of incredible flavor. Each element, from the aromatic veggies to the signature blend of spices, plays an important role in the taste, texture, and irresistible color of the dish.
- Beef stew meat: Choose chuck or a similar cut for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after braising.
- Vegetable oil: This helps brown the beef and build the base of flavor in the pot.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- Green bell pepper: Brings freshness and a gentle bite, balancing the richness of the beef.
- Garlic: A must-have for its punchy aroma and flavor complexity.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce with a concentrated tomato flavor and beautiful color.
- Ground cumin: Essential for that earthy, slightly smoky Tex-Mex essence.
- Chili powder: Adds gentle warmth and a pop of color without overwhelming heat.
- Smoked paprika: Contributes a subtle smokiness that takes the sauce to the next level.
- Dried oregano: Offers herbal notes that round out the spices.
- Ground black pepper: Enhances every bite with a mild heat.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and makes them pop.
- Beef broth: Forms the savory, silky braising liquid that tenderizes the beef.
- Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Lends tang and a touch of sweetness while keeping the sauce juicy.
- All-purpose flour mixed with water (optional): Use this for a thicker, gravy-like sauce if you like.
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish right before serving.
How to Make Carne Guisada (Braised Beef)
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add your beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about five minutes per batch. Don’t rush this step: those browned bits on the bottom of the pan are pure flavor and will make your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) taste incredible. Once browned, set the beef aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about four minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute—enough to release all that wonderful aroma without letting it burn.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Add the tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Give everything a good stir so the vegetables are nicely coated and the spices can bloom in the hot oil. This is where the soulful flavor of Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) really starts to build.
Step 4: Simmer to Tender Perfection
Return the browned beef (and any juices that have collected) back into the pot. Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. When the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened, you’re almost there.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker, gravy-like sauce, stir in the flour-water mixture during the last ten minutes of cooking. Let it bubble gently so the sauce can thicken up—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t scorch on the bottom.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Once your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness before serving. Now, get ready for the best part: enjoying your creation!
How to Serve Carne Guisada (Braised Beef)
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness to your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef). If you love a little zing, try a squeeze of lime or a scattering of diced onions. For those who like some heat, a few slices of fresh jalapeño work wonders too.
Side Dishes
This dish is all about comfort, so serve it up with warm flour tortillas for scooping, a bed of fluffy white rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes. Each option soaks up that rich, savory sauce in its own delicious way. For extra Tex-Mex flair, add a side of refried beans or a simple chopped salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get inventive! Pile Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) into taco shells, roll it up in burritos, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a hearty twist. It’s also fantastic as a filling for empanadas or even served over nachos for a fun party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, and the flavors often deepen overnight.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, you’re in luck—this dish freezes like a dream! Portion your cooled Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label and date them, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the stew gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot all the way through. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick lunches or dinners.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Carne Guisada (Braised Beef)?
Absolutely! While chuck is the classic choice for its marbling and tenderness, you can also use round or brisket. Just make sure to cut it into cubes and allow enough time for it to become melt-in-your-mouth tender during the braise.
Is Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) spicy?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika, but it’s not particularly spicy. If you crave more heat, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
Can I make Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables and spices, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender. The flavors will still be rich and comforting.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To keep your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) gluten-free, simply omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch. The stew will still be deliciously hearty and satisfying.
Why does it taste even better the next day?
Like many braised dishes, the flavors in Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) continue to meld and deepen as it rests. An overnight stint in the fridge allows all those spices and aromatics to really shine, making leftovers a true treat!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about gathering around the table with a pot of Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) at the center. It’s soul-satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for sharing, and every bite is a reminder of why homemade meals matter. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again!
Print
Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Braising
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Latin American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Carne Guisada is a flavorful Tex-Mex braised beef stew made with tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce, infused with spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. This comforting dish is perfect served with warm tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
Liquids and Thickener
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside to prevent overcrowding the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, approximately 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt, coating the vegetables evenly with the spice mixture.
- Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef becomes fork-tender.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is preferred, stir in the flour-water mixture during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Continue simmering to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot with warm flour tortillas, over rice, or alongside mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Serve with warm flour tortillas, over rice, or alongside mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- For added heat, stir in a diced jalapeño along with the onions.
- To keep the dish gluten-free, omit the flour or substitute with a gluten-free thickener.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
