If you’ve ever craved a hearty, soul-soothing meal that’s packed with rich flavors and tender textures, then this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This classic Mexican-American dish is all about slow-simmered beef cubes bathed in a luscious, spiced tomato sauce that melts in your mouth. Every bite delivers warmth and comfort, making it the ultimate go-to for family dinners or meal prep. Trust me, once you try this recipe, the savory aroma and depth of flavor will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe is simple but crucial since each component brings something special to the table. From tender beef to aromatic spices and fresh veggies, every ingredient plays a key role in building that unforgettable taste and texture.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes: Choose well-marbled beef for the best tenderness and rich flavor after slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for searing the beef to lock in juices and develop a beautiful brown crust.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and fragrance that’s essential for the base of the sauce.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Brings a fresh, slightly grassy flavor and lovely color contrast.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with savory depth and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a smoky, earthy undertone that defines the classic flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity to brighten the stew.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides a sweet and mild pepper flavor that complements the other spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings herbal notes that enhance the overall seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle kick and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a savory, hearty base for braising the meat.
- 1 cup water: Helps to simmer the beef tenderly without drying it out.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used for thickening the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): An extra thickening boost if you prefer a more gravy-like texture.
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of color and fresh brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This is key for achieving that irresistible brown crust which locks in flavor and juices. Sear each batch until browned on all sides, then transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot that you browned the beef, add your chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook these for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, releasing that beautiful aroma that signals flavor building.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Now it’s time to add the magic spices. Sprinkle in your cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to thoroughly coat the softened veggies with these spices. This layer develops the signature smoky and warm flavor that makes this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Develop the Sauce Base
Mix in the tomato paste next and cook everything together for a couple of minutes. This step caramelizes the tomato paste slightly, intensifying its sweetness and giving your sauce that rich, deep red color which is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Step 5: Braise the Beef
Return the seared beef cubes to the pot and pour in the beef broth along with the water. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the meat braise slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking breaks down the beef until it’s tender and infused with all those wonderful spices and tomato goodness.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Once the beef is tender, mix the flour with 1/4 cup of water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the pot and let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to thicken the sauce beautifully. If you want an even thicker gravy, whisk the cornstarch with a little water and add this slurry as well. Taste and adjust seasoning before removing from heat.
How to Serve Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of vibrant green color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the rich meat beautifully. You can also add a wedge of lime or a few sliced jalapeños if you love a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe pairs perfectly with warm tortillas, fluffy white rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. Each side brings its own texture, making every bite wonderfully balanced, whether you scoop, bite, or dunk into the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this braised beef over a bed of cheesy polenta or spoon it into crispy taco shells for a fun twist. You can also turn it into a filling for empanadas or top a baked potato to transform your meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the stew has cooled completely before sealing.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Place cooled stew into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickened too much after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving aggressively to keep the beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for Carne Guisada?
Absolutely! While stew meat works great, chuck roast or brisket cut into cubes also braises beautifully and delivers tender, flavorful results.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For more heat, add diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables or sprinkle in extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to your spice mix.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it can be. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch and double-check that your spices and broth contain no gluten ingredients.
Can I prepare Carne Guisada in a slow cooker?
Definitely! After searing the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the beef is tender.
What’s the best way to serve Carne Guisada for a crowd?
This recipe easily doubles or triples. Serve with plenty of tortillas and rice, and set out toppings like sliced avocado, cheese, and chopped onions for a fantastic communal meal.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting and satisfying about this Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe that makes it a treasured classic in my kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of tender beef, hearty sauce, and warm spices that feels like a big, delicious hug with every bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own family favorite, ready to share with friends or enjoy any day you crave that cozy, home-cooked meal magic.
Print
Carne Guisada (Braised Beef) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Carne Guisada is a comforting Mexican-American braised beef stew, featuring tender cubes of beef simmered with aromatic spices, onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a rich tomato-based sauce. This hearty stovetop dish is perfect for a satisfying main course and pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Beef and Oil
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Liquids and Thickening Agents
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release aromas.
- Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt, coating the vegetables evenly with the spices. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Simmer the beef: Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Thicken the sauce: To thicken, whisk the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup water to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew and simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes. If desired, add a cornstarch slurry for additional thickness, stirring well.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beer during simmering.
- Serve with rice, warm tortillas, or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Leftovers develop even richer flavors and taste better the next day.
