Carne Guisada
Tender chunks of beef slow-simmered in a rich, savory gravy with peppers and onions. This Tex-Mex classic is pure comfort food, perfect served with warm tortillas and rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 150 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sear the Beef
- b.Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season them generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper.
- c.Heat the canola oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- d.Working in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, sear the beef on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Do not rush this step, as the crust builds flavor. Transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Gravy Base
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot, using their moisture to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom. Cook until softened, about 6-8 minutes.
- c.Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- d.Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- e.Add the chili powder, ground cumin, and Mexican oregano. Stir for 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant and have coated the vegetables.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Stew
- b.Slowly pour in about one cup of the beef broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth, lump-free paste. Then, whisk in the remaining broth.
- c.Stir in the undrained fire-roasted tomatoes, the bay leaf, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
- d.Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- e.Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to prevent sticking. The stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender and falls apart easily.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf. Check the consistency of the gravy. If it's too thin, increase the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking.
- c.Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- d.Stir in the fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve hot in bowls, with warm flour tortillas, Mexican rice, and refried beans.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, ensure you get a deep, dark brown sear on the beef. This process, called the Maillard reaction, is crucial for a rich-tasting stew.
- 2Don't rush the simmering. Low and slow is the secret to incredibly tender beef that melts in your mouth.
- 3This dish is even better the next day! The flavors meld and deepen overnight. It's perfect for meal prepping.
- 4To adjust the heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño for a spicier stew, or omit it entirely for a mild version.
- 5If you don't have a Dutch oven, any heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid will work.
Adapt it for your goals.
Slow Cooker Method
Follow steps 1 and 2 on the stovetop. Transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
For a heartier stew, add 2 peeled and diced potatoes or carrots along with the beef broth in Step 3. You may need to add a little extra broth.
Different PeppersDifferent Peppers
Substitute the green bell pepper with a poblano or Anaheim pepper for a slightly different, smokier flavor profile.
Instant Pot MethodInstant Pot Method
Use the 'Sauté' function for steps 1 and 2. Add remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a 15-minute natural pressure release before quick releasing the rest.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall bodily function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Provides B Vitamins
Beef is a natural source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is vital for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Contains Antioxidants
Ingredients like garlic, onions, and tomatoes (especially fire-roasted) provide antioxidants like allicin and lycopene, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5 cup serving of this Carne Guisada contains approximately 580-650 calories, depending on the fat content of the beef chuck used.