There’s something special about a pot of Carne Guisada bubbling on the stove. The aroma alone feels like home — beef simmering low and slow with peppers, onions, and a hint of spice. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something worth savoring.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Carne Guisada Recipe
Carne Guisada is more than just stew — it’s a warm bowl of Texas heritage. This dish delivers deep, savory flavor with tender bites of beef coated in a silky gravy.
- Slow-simmered for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness
- Easy, one-pot comfort food
- Flavorful without being spicy-hot
- Great for meal prep and reheating
- Customizable with your favorite veggies
- Perfect over rice, in tacos, or with warm tortillas
I learned this recipe from my mom during a stretch of rainy Austin afternoons. She’d let the beef simmer while the windows fogged up, and by dinner, the whole house smelled incredible. Carne Guisada taught me patience in cooking — that good things take time, and slow meals bring people together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, hearty ingredients that work together to build rich flavor. Every element adds something special — from the browning of the beef to the simmering of the sauce.
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil – use vegetable or olive oil for searing
- 2 pounds chuck steak, cubed – a flavorful cut that gets tender as it cooks
- 1 large onion, chopped – builds a sweet base for the sauce
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped – adds mild flavor and color
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – brings depth and aroma
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – thickens and enriches the gravy
- 2 large tomatoes, diced – fresh acidity balances the beef
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – creates that silky, smooth texture
- 1 teaspoon salt – enhances every bite
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper – a little bite for balance
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – that signature earthy note
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – mild warmth and color
- 2 cups beef broth – the heart of the stew
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Swap tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes if fresh aren’t available
- Add jalapeño for a subtle kick (optional)
- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free version
- Toss in potatoes for a thicker, heartier stew
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving for brightness
- Pair with rice or flour tortillas for a full meal
Step-by-Step Instructions
My approach to Carne Guisada is simple — let the ingredients do the heavy lifting. A good sear, a little patience, and you’ll get beef so tender it almost melts into the sauce.
- Sear the Beef:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add cubed beef and sear until browned on all sides. (This locks in flavor right from the start.) - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. (You want that golden aroma before adding liquid.) - Add Flour and Spices:
Sprinkle flour, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is coated. (This step thickens your stew later on.) - Pour in Broth and Simmer:
Slowly add beef broth while stirring. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours until beef is fork-tender. - Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and tweak — a little more salt or chili powder if you like.
Quick Reminders:
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
- Keep heat low for tender beef
- Add water if sauce thickens too much
- Let it rest a few minutes before serving
Expert Tips for Success
Carne Guisada rewards patience and a good simmer. Here’s how to make it restaurant-worthy at home.
- Brown your beef deeply — color equals flavor
- Don’t rush the simmer; the longer, the better
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat
- Keep the lid on to trap steam and moisture
- Stir occasionally to keep the gravy smooth
- Add broth gradually to control consistency
- Serve with warm tortillas to soak up the sauce
If you love rich, beefy comfort food, you’ll also enjoy my Egyptian Beef Goulash or this creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta for another flavor-packed dinner idea.
Serving Suggestions
Carne Guisada shines at family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weekend meal. Serve it in a bowl or tucked into tortillas — you can’t go wrong.
- Over fluffy white rice
- With homemade flour tortillas
- Alongside Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake
- With a side of refried beans or Spanish rice
- Topped with chopped cilantro and lime
- As a filling for tacos or burritos
No matter how you serve it, this stew brings warmth and comfort to any table. Feel free to make it your own — that’s what home cooking is all about.
Storing and Reheating
Carne Guisada stores beautifully, and the flavors only get better after a day or two.
How to Store It
- Let it cool to room temperature first
- Store in airtight containers
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Label and date containers for easy use
How to Reheat It
- Reheat on the stove over medium-low until hot
- Add a splash of broth or water if too thick
- Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between
- Avoid overheating to keep meat tender
- Serve immediately once warmed through
You’ll find that the sauce thickens beautifully after storage, making leftovers even richer in flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a quick look at what you’re getting in every hearty serving of Carne Guisada:
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 602mg
- Potassium: 635mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin A: 1130 IU
- Vitamin C: 35mg
- Calcium: 42mg
- Iron: 3mg
- Net Carbs: 5g
This balance makes it a hearty yet wholesome meal, great for weeknights or meal prep without feeling heavy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4. You can also check out my Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan for another tender, flavor-packed classic.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely. Round or stew meat works fine — just cook until tender.
How do I thicken the gravy more?
Simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes, or whisk in a teaspoon of flour mixed with water.
Final Thoughts
Carne Guisada is comfort food done right — rich, hearty, and full of soul. It’s one of those meals that turns an ordinary day into a family memory. Every spoonful reminds me why I love home cooking: patience, flavor, and a table full of smiles.
- Let the beef cook slow and steady
- Always taste as you go
- Serve it with something you love
That’s the secret to food that feeds more than hunger — it feeds the heart.
Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides in batches to avoid crowding.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Pour in beef broth, then add salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes or until beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally and check liquid level.
- If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth. Simmer uncovered to reduce if needed. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Swapped traditional pork/bacon if present with turkey bacon or smoked paprika where applicable. No alcohol used.
