Carne Guisada is a comforting Tex-Mex beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy with onions, peppers, and spices. It’s traditionally served with warm flour tortillas, making it perfect for scooping up the savory sauce or filling soft tacos.
⏱️ Recipe Details
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Servings: 4–6
🛒 Ingredients
For the Carne Guisada
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2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into small cubes)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 medium onion (chopped)
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1 bell pepper (chopped)
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
For Serving
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8–10 flour tortillas
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Fresh cilantro (optional)
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Lime wedges (optional)
🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Build the Sauce
Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer the Beef
Return the browned beef to the pot.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60 minutes or until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Warm the Tortillas
Heat flour tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven.
7. Serve
Spoon the carne guisada into warm tortillas and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime if desired.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Serve as soft tacos with tortillas.
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Pair with Mexican rice or refried beans.
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Add cheese and avocado slices for extra flavor.
💡 Tips & Variations
Use chuck roast:
Chuck roast becomes very tender when slow-cooked.
Slow cooker option:
Cook on low for 6–7 hours for even more tender beef.
Spicy version:
Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the sauce.
Thicker gravy:
Simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes.