Description
Carne Guisada is a hearty and flavorful Latin American beef stew made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. Perfectly slow-cooked to develop deep, comforting flavors, this dish is traditionally served with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
Liquids and Spices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground oregano
- 1 bay leaf
Thickening and Garnish
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sear Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to caramelize it, enhancing the depth of flavor in the stew.
- Add Spices and Tomato: Mix in the diced tomato, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
- Combine Beef and Broth: Return the seared beef to the pot, pour in the beef broth, and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Stew: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the beef to become tender.
- Optional Thickening: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, garnish the stew with fresh cilantro, and serve hot alongside rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
- Cutting the beef into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- The stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
- You can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil if preferred.
- Adjust the spice levels by modifying chili powder quantity according to taste.
- If cornstarch is unavailable, flour can be used as an alternative thickener.
