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Hearty Carne Guisada Stew Recipe


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4.2 from 57 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Carne Guisada is a flavorful and hearty Latin American beef stew made by slow-simmering tender chunks of chuck steak with aromatic onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with cumin and chili powder. This comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying meal served warm alongside rice or tortillas.


Ingredients

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. Heat Oil and Sauté Onions: Begin by heating the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, indicating they are softened and flavorful. Then, add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
  2. Brown the Meat and Cook Peppers: Add the cubed chuck steak to the pot. Brown the beef pieces on all sides to lock in their juices and develop a rich flavor. Once browned, add the chopped bell peppers and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften slightly.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, allowing the paste to deepen the stew’s flavor. Then add the diced tomatoes and cook for another few minutes to meld the flavors together.
  4. Incorporate Flour and Seasonings: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for a short period until the flour is heated through, which helps to thicken the stew. Pour in the beef broth next. Season the stew with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if the stew becomes too thick to maintain a good consistency.
  6. Serve: Once the meat is tender and the flavors have fully developed, serve the carne guisada warm. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to add a bright, fresh note to the dish.

Notes

  • For a thicker stew, use less broth or allow the stew to simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
  • If chuck steak is unavailable, a similar cut of beef suitable for slow cooking can be substituted.
  • Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
  • Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or beans for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld further.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Latin American