Carne Guisada: A Hearty Latin Beef Stew

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot wonder: Everything is cooked in a single pot, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze.

• Tender beef: The stew uses slow cooking to transform tough cuts of beef into juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chunks.

• Multiple cooking methods: Whether you prefer stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe offers flexibility for any cooking style.

• Perfect leftovers: The flavors only get better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or dinner the next day.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat or chuck steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon oil (peanut or any neutral oil)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tomatoes, diced (fresh or canned)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 cups beef broth (preferably all-natural)

• 2 tablespoons flour

• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.

2. Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides.

3. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for another minute.

4. Pour in the beef broth and stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender.

5. Adjust the consistency with water if necessary and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 2 hours (if stovetop)

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Add extra veggies: Carrots, potatoes, or squash can be added to enrich the stew.

• Spicy kick: For those who love heat, adding cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño can give it an extra boost.

• Slow Cooker/Instant Pot options: For the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-3 hours. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a bit of water if needed to restore the sauce's consistency.

FAQs

How do I make carne guisada in the Instant Pot?

Simply sauté the onions, garlic, and beef, add the seasonings and broth, then pressure cook on high for 30 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes.

Can I use different cuts of beef for carne guisada?

Chuck roast or any tough, fatty beef cut works best. These cuts break down well during the slow cooking process.

Can I freeze carne guisada?

Yes! Carne guisada freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes, or mix in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and water) to reach your desired consistency.

Can I add potatoes to this dish?

Yes! Potatoes can be added for a heartier stew. Just chop them into small pieces and cook along with the beef.

What’s the best way to serve carne guisada?

Serve it over rice, with warm tortillas, or with sides like beans or guacamole.

Is carne guisada spicy?

It has a mild spice level, but you can increase the heat by adding more chili powder, cayenne, or fresh jalapeños.

Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?

While you can, ground beef won’t have the same texture or depth of flavor. Stew meat provides that tender, hearty texture.

What other vegetables can I add?

Carrots, squash, and bell peppers all work well in this stew, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, but the flavor may not be as rich as when using beef broth. You could also add a bit of soy sauce for depth.

Conclusion

Carne Guisada is a dish that’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and guaranteed to become a favorite. Whether you’re making it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, this tender beef stew delivers comforting, savory goodness in every bite. Perfect for dinner tonight or as leftovers the next day!

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