Authentic Carne Guisada, a beloved Mexican-style beef stew, is a hearty, flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional Mexican home cooking.
The dish is made by simmering tender chunks of beef in a rich, aromatic gravy infused with a variety of spices, vegetables, and sometimes tomatoes.
Carne Guisada is known for its deeply savory profile, achieved by slow-cooking the beef until it becomes tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Authentic Carne Guisada (Mexican-Style Beef Stew)
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper (green or red), diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Brown the Beef:
In a heavy skillet (preferably with gold handles), heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, browning on all sides. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Build the Base:
Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down.
Season & Thicken:
Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until the flour disappears.
Simmer:
Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly. Return beef to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.
Serve:
Spoon hot from the pan with rice or warm tortillas. Allow the rustic edges and rising steam to highlight that true homemade flavor.