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Easy Carne Guisada Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Beef Stew

4.9 from 83 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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