Easy Carne Guisada Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Beef Stew
Introduction
Carne Guisada is a comforting, flavorful beef stew that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Tender cubes of chuck steak simmer slowly with aromatic spices, peppers, and tomatoes to create a rich, hearty dish. It’s a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying.

Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 2 pounds chuck steak (cubed)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add cubed chuck steak to the pot and brown on all sides. Then add chopped bell pepper and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes and cook for another couple of minutes.
- Step 4: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine, cooking until heated through. Pour in beef broth and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if the stew becomes too thick.
- Step 6: Once the meat is tender, serve warm. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Add a diced potato or two for a heartier stew.
- Use smoked paprika instead of chili powder for a smoky twist.
- Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover carne guisada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew thickens too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, other tough cuts like brisket or stew beef work well as they become tender during the slow simmer.
Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender.
PrintEasy Carne Guisada Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Beef Stew
Carne Guisada is a hearty, flavorful beef stew made with tender chuck steak simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce, seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and fresh vegetables. This traditional Latin American dish is perfect for a comforting meal served over rice or with warm tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 2 pounds chuck steak, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat until hot. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Brown the Meat: Add the cubed chuck steak to the pot and brown it on all sides, ensuring a nice sear for flavor. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Incorporate Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavors. Then add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to combine the ingredients.
- Thicken and Season: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Pour in the beef broth and season with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the carne guisada simmer gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if the stew becomes too thick during cooking.
- Finish and Serve: Once the meat is tender and the flavors melded, serve the carne guisada warm. For extra freshness and flavor, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use chuck steak for best flavor and tenderness in this stew.
- Simmering low and slow is key to tender meat and rich flavors.
- If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or warm bread for a complete meal.
- Adjust salt and chili powder to taste depending on spice preference.
Keywords: Carne Guisada, beef stew, Latin American recipe, chuck steak stew, tomato beef stew

