Carne guisada

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Carne Guisada literally means “stewed meat” — and it’s exactly that: beef slow-cooked in a delicious brown gravy made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices until fork-tender. Whether you’re making it the Tex-Mex way or a more traditional Mexican version, it’s pure comfort food.

⏱️ Prep Time

Task	Time
Prep Time	15 mins
Cook Time	1½–2 hours
Total Time	~2 hours

🔧 Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Cutting board & knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Small bowl for spice mixing

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 tbsp oil (vegetable or lard)
1 small onion, diced
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional, Tex-Mex style)
2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
2 cups beef broth or water
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
2 tbsp water (to mix with flour)

🧾 Ingredient Notes

Beef chuck is ideal — it becomes tender and flavorful with slow cooking.
Flour slurry thickens the gravy; you can also use cornstarch if gluten-free.
Spices can be adjusted — some regional versions add tomato sauce or bouillon cubes for richer flavor.

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sear the Beef:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides (don’t overcrowd).
Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Veggies:

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium.
Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper (if using). Sauté until soft, 3–4 minutes.
Add tomatoes and cook until they break down a bit (5 minutes).

3. Add Spices & Broth:

Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth to cover meat.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Thicken the Gravy:

In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp flour with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry.
Stir slurry into the stew and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Serve:

Spoon over rice, into warm flour tortillas, or alongside beans and potatoes.

📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving – approx. 1/6 recipe)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~390
Protein	~35g
Carbs	~8g
Fat	~24g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~500mg

💡 Tips & Variations

🔥 Tips:

Low and slow is key: Simmer gently for tender meat and rich flavor.
Make ahead: Carne guisada tastes even better the next day.
Thicker gravy: Let it simmer uncovered longer or mash a few pieces of beef into the sauce.

🌟 Variations:

Spicy: Add jalapeños or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo for heat.
Tomato-based: Use tomato sauce instead of fresh tomatoes for a smoother gravy.
Beer version: Add ½ cup of beer for deeper, richer flavor.