My mum made this recipe all the time when I was growing up and I have always loved it!
This Carne Guisada recipe delivers a rich and comforting Latin American beef stew, perfect for serving over rice, with mashed potatoes, or tucked into warm flour tortillas. Tender stew meat is simmered in a savory, spiced tomato-based sauce until incredibly tender.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Stew meat | 3 lbs |
| Oil (lard, bacon grease, or vegetable oil) | 1 tablespoon |
| Medium onion | 1 |
| Small green bell pepper (optional) | 1 |
| Tomato sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Water or chicken stock | 1 cup |
| Flour tortillas, rice, or mashed potatoes | For serving |
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat your oil of choice (lard, bacon grease, or vegetable oil) over high heat. Add the stew meat, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper (if using). Brown the meat on all sides, breaking it up slightly, and cook until the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato sauce (or diced fresh tomato), garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic), ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables.
- Thicken with Flour and Add Liquid: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the meat mixture and mix well to ensure there are no lumps. Pour in the water or chicken stock and mix thoroughly to combine everything into a sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan tightly and let it cook for 1 ½ hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the carne guisada and adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper, or cumin) if necessary. Serve hot with warm flour tortillas, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy this comforting and robust stew!
