If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal, this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly tender beef cubes simmered in a rich, savory sauce bursting with classic Tex-Mex spices will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with satisfying flavor. Every bite offers a delicious blend of comfort and vibrant seasoning—a dish that feels like a loving embrace from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create the unforgettable taste, texture, and color of this dish. Each element plays its part, from the tender beef to the fresh vegetables and perfectly balanced spices.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled cubes for flavor and tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for searing the beef to lock in juices.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Provides a fresh, crisp bite and vibrant green color.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth to the dish.
- 1 large tomato (diced) or ½ cup canned diced tomatoes: Introduces a mild acidity to balance richness.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin: Essential for that earthy, smoky Tex-Mex twist.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle sweetness and color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a balanced peppery kick.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the luxurious sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth: The rich, savory base for braising the beef tender.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a fragrant herbal note as it simmers.
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional): Freshens and brightens the finished dish.
How to Make Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef stew meat in batches, so the pieces brown nicely on all sides without overcrowding the pot. Browning locks in juices and creates a deep, meaty flavor that is crucial for this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the beef is browned and resting, reduce the heat to medium and add diced onions and green bell peppers. Cook them gently for about five minutes until they soften and become aromatic. Add the minced garlic last, cooking just for 30 seconds to prevent it from burning but maximize its flavor release.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in the diced tomato and tomato paste, letting them cook together for 2 to 3 minutes to meld their flavors and thicken slightly. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for a minute to cook out the raw taste while helping to thicken the sauce.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, tossing everything so the beef is fully coated in these beautiful spices. Pour in the beef broth, and nestle in the bay leaf. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours. The slow cooking breaks down the beef fibers, resulting in tender bites swimming in a deeply flavored sauce.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the bay leaf. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if you like a bit of herbal brightness against the rich, meaty backdrop. Your Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh cilantro brings a vibrant, citrusy note that cuts through the richness. For an added pop of color and flavor, consider a few diced fresh jalapeños if you like a little extra heat. A squeeze of lime over the top just before serving also adds a fresh zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm flour tortillas or a steaming bowl of fluffy white rice to soak up the luscious sauce. For a low-carb alternative, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables, balancing the richness of the beef with some crisp, fresh greens on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, ladle the Carne Guisada into large bowls with rice and garnish generously. If you want to impress guests, serve it in mini cast iron skillets or over crispy baked plantain slices for a delightful textural contrast. Either way, this dish’s deep, comforting flavors make it an inviting centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen and marry, often tasting even better the next day as the sauce thickens and intensifies.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months, ready for a quick, comforting meal after a long day.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid drying out the beef. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge to restore that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for its tenderness after braising, chuck roast cut into cubes works beautifully too. Just be sure to maintain even-sized pieces so they cook evenly and become nice and tender.
How spicy is this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe?
This recipe is flavorful with mild heat from the chili powder. If you prefer it spicier, incorporating jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, but it’s wonderful as is for those who enjoy moderate spice.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This version uses all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry, and be sure to check your beef broth’s label.
What can I serve with Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe to keep it authentic?
Traditional sides include warm flour or corn tortillas and fluffy white rice. You might also add refried beans or a crisp cabbage slaw to round out the authentic Tex-Mex meal experience.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals full of bold flavors and tender textures. It’s the kind of dish your family will ask for again and again, perfect for cozy weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a go, and watch it become one of your kitchen favorites!
Print
Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Carne Guisada is a comforting Tex-Mex braised beef stew made with tender cubes of beef simmered in a flavorful sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and spices. This hearty dish is perfect served over rice or with warm flour tortillas, making it a delicious and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large tomato (diced) or ½ cup canned diced tomatoes
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Others
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomato and Tomato Paste: Stir in the diced tomato and tomato paste. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the tomato to soften and flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste and thicken the sauce later.
- Add Beef and Spices: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the beef and vegetables with the seasoning blend.
- Add Broth and Bay Leaf: Pour in the 2 cups of beef broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Optionally garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot over rice or with warm flour tortillas.
Notes
- Carne guisada pairs wonderfully with rice or warm flour tortillas.
- For added heat, incorporate sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Use gluten-free flour and broth to make this dish gluten-free.
