If you’ve never experienced the warm, comforting hug of Carne Guisada, let me introduce you to this soul-soothing classic! This savory beef stew simmers slowly, soaking up layers of flavor from tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and aromatic spices. With each spoonful, you’ll taste the meltingly tender beef and the subtle kick of chili, all swirled into a rich, velvety sauce. Whether you ladle it over rice, wrap it in a tortilla, or simply tuck in with a spoon, Carne Guisada transforms ordinary ingredients into pure comfort food magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Carne Guisada lies in its beautifully humble ingredients—each one playing a role in creating that rich, hearty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you won’t want to skip a single one!

Oil: The starter for your flavor base; use a neutral oil for best browning.
Chuck steak: Cubed for the perfect balance of richness and tenderness after slow simmering.
Onion: Chopped and sautéed to build a deep, savory foundation.
Bell pepper: Adds color and a subtle sweetness that lifts the stew.
Garlic: Minced to infuse each bite with aromatic warmth.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the stew’s flavor and creates a lush sauce.
Tomatoes: Diced for freshness and the perfect balance of acidity.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce while adding a silky mouthfeel.
Salt: Essential for unlocking all the flavors in the pot.
Pepper: For just a hint of heat and a deep, rounded taste.
Ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note that’s classic in Carne Guisada.
Chili powder: Delivers gentle warmth and Mexican flavor.
Beef broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together in a delicious embrace.

How to Make Carne Guisada

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and beginning to soften—it’ll smell irresistible! Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant. These first steps are the aromatic heartbeat of your Carne Guisada, infusing the oil with big, bold flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add your chunks of chuck steak to the pot, spreading them out for contact with the heat. Give them a good sear on all sides so you develop that rich, deep color and flavor we crave in Carne Guisada. Once browned, sprinkle in your chopped bell pepper and cook for a couple more minutes until it’s softened and blending with the beef nicely.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and let it sizzle for a minute to deepen its flavor, then add your diced tomatoes. These will start to break down and mingle with the meat, creating the beginnings of a luscious sauce. Let everything cook together for another two minutes so the flavors can really get acquainted.

Step 4: Thicken and Season

Sprinkle the flour over everything and stir well, allowing it to cook briefly—this not only thickens your Carne Guisada but also gives the sauce a silky, luxurious texture. Now, pour in the beef broth and sprinkle with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Give it a good stir, bring it all to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat.

Step 5: Slow Simmer

Cover your pot and allow the stew to simmer on low for two beautiful, aroma-filled hours. Make sure to stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the mixture thickens too much. By the end, your beef should be fork-tender and the sauce irresistibly rich—this is the magic of a true Carne Guisada!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

When the simmering is complete and you can barely stand to wait another second, spoon your Carne Guisada into bowls and top generously with freshly chopped cilantro. This final touch brings a burst of freshness that wakes up every flavor packed inside.

How to Serve Carne Guisada

Garnishes

Take your Carne Guisada from delicious to unforgettable with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a scattering of diced green onions. If you love a little extra heat, feel free to add thinly sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce—this dish loves a personal touch!

Side Dishes

Carne Guisada is a friendly companion to all your favorite sides. Try serving it over fluffy rice to soak up that savory sauce, or with warm corn tortillas for a handheld feast! Refried beans, Mexican street corn, or a bright side salad also make perfect partners.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to shake things up, stuff your Carne Guisada into tacos, burritos, or even top baked potatoes with it. Use leftovers to make a hearty breakfast hash, or serve over nachos for a bold party snack. The only limit is your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Carne Guisada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually seem to meld and deepen as they sit, which often means the next-day leftovers taste even better than the original!

Freezing

Carne Guisada freezes like a dream! Let it cool completely before packing into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your Carne Guisada on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up as needed.

FAQs

Can I make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours until the beef is perfectly tender and the sauce is rich.

What cuts of beef work best for Carne Guisada?

Chuck steak is classic for its balance of fat and tenderness after slow cooking, but brisket or stewing beef will work in a pinch. Just choose a cut that benefits from long, gentle simmering.

How spicy is Carne Guisada?

This recipe offers just a mild warmth from the chili powder, but you’re always welcome to dial it up or down. Add more chili powder, fresh jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra kick, or keep it as-is for a milder version everyone can love.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes! If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes make an easy and convenient substitute—just be sure to drain them a little so your stew doesn’t get too watery.

What’s the best way to thicken Carne Guisada?

The flour in the recipe is the key thickener, but if your stew is a bit thin, just simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If it’s too thick, a splash of extra broth or water will do the trick.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you dive in and make this Carne Guisada for yourself—I can almost guarantee it’ll become a staple you crave again and again. There’s something magical about how simple ingredients, a little patience, and a lot of love come together in this hearty, flavorful stew. Let it bring warmth to your table and joy to your kitchen!

Carne Guisada Recipe