Carne Guisada

Introduction

Carne Guisada is a deeply flavorful beef stew, renowned across Latin America and Texas for its robust, savory sauce and meltingly tender chunks of beef. This dish is a celebration of slow cooking, transforming basic ingredients into a rich, crowd-pleasing one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

With its warm spices, aromatic vegetables, and exquisite gravy, Carne Guisada promises to satisfy with every bite. The recipe is flexible enough for weeknight simplicity but delivers restaurant-quality flavor, making it a go-to option for impressing guests or delighting your household.

Why Carne Guisada Will Win Over Any Table

What sets Carne Guisada apart is the interplay of perfectly seared beef, gently simmered vegetables, and a silky, spice-laden gravy. Whether served over rice, tucked into tortillas, or spooned alongside beans, this dish offers comforting textures and savory depth that always earns second helpings.

Its appeal lies in the richly seasoned sauce—built layer by layer with onions, bell pepper, garlic, tomatoes, and a medley of spices—that envelopes every bite of beef. The result is a hearty, irresistible stew that delivers both boldness and tradition.

Prepping Ingredients for Peak Flavor

A satisfying Carne Guisada begins with quality cuts of beef and precisely chopped vegetables. For fast, uniform chopping of onions and bell pepper, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is invaluable. Consistent vegetable pieces not only look appealing, they also cook evenly and impart a texture that makes the gravy shine.

When it comes to cutting your beef into perfect cubes, grab a Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen for a safe, clean surface, and ensure a sharp chef’s knife for precision. For seasoning and organizing ingredients, a Lifewit Silverware Drawer Organizer helps streamline your prep station, keeping everything at the ready.

Searing and Simmering the Perfect Beef Stew

Start by browning the beef in batches—this caramelization builds the foundation of the stew’s flavor. Cooking in a roomy, heavy pan such as the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet ensures even heat and allows those flavor-rich browned bits to develop, which will later enrich the gravy.

Once your beef is beautifully seared, sauté your aromatics until fragrant before slowly simmering everything together. Let the stew bubble gently until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened—a sign your Carne Guisada is ready to impress.

Serving Carne Guisada: Creative and Traditional Ideas

Traditionally, Carne Guisada is served with rice or warm flour tortillas, but the possibilities are endless. Spoon it over roasted potatoes, stuff it into tacos, or serve as a standalone stew alongside fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime. For easy portioning or meal prepping, try a Bentgo Salad Container—perfect for keeping stew and sides separate until lunch or dinnertime.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 hearty servings. Each portion (without rice or tortillas) averages 350–400 calories, depending on cut of beef and amount of oil used. High in protein and rich in iron, Carne Guisada is a nourishing centerpiece for any meal.

Unforgettable Carne Guisada (Recap)

With its soulful spice, luscious gravy, and melt-in-your-mouth beef, Carne Guisada is the ultimate comfort food. Whether served for a bustling crowd or a simple family meal, its irresistible flavor ensures it will become a frequent request for years to come.

Instructions

1. Heat the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes for about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
2. In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, even dicing. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Toast for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until darkened slightly.
4. Return beef (and any juices) to the pan. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for flavor.
5. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and sauce is thickened.
6. Uncover and simmer an additional 15 minutes to further thicken the sauce if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy over rice, rolled in warm tortillas, or stored in a Bentgo Salad Container for meal prep.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes