Description

Hey there, friend! Ever crave a meal that feels like a warm, hearty hug from the inside out? That’s exactly what Carne Guisada is—tender chunks of beef in a rich, flavorful Tex-Mex gravy. It’s perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you want comfort food without fussing over complicated steps. Let’s make a pot of pure deliciousness together!

Ingredients

2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast works best), cubed
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped (green, red, or orange)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, diced white onion

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Pat beef cubes dry, then brown them in batches (do not overcrowd).
Remove beef and set aside. Tip: Browning creates deep flavor for the gravy.

2. Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, sauté onion and bell pepper for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 45–60 seconds until fragrant.

3. Bloom the Spices

Add tomato paste to the hot pan and cook 30 seconds.
Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper with the vegetables for 1–2 minutes.

4. Braise the Beef

Return the beef and any juices to the pot.
Pour in beef broth, stir, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until beef is fork-tender.

5. Thicken the Gravy

Whisk flour with ¼ cup cold water until smooth.
Stir into stew and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until gravy thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Tex-Mex Style: Serve with warm flour tortillas and optional toppings for DIY tacos or burritos.
Cozy Bowl: Spoon over rice or mashed potatoes; add black beans or a green salad.
Leftovers Hack: Use shredded beef for sandwiches on bolillo rolls with melted cheese.

Notes

Swap the meat: Pork shoulder or chicken thighs work too; adjust simmer time accordingly.
Slow Cooker: Sauté beef and veggies, then cook on LOW for 7–8 hours.
Potato Guisada: Add cubed potatoes when returning beef to the pot.
Gluten-Free: Use corn masa instead of flour to thicken.
Spicy Kick: Add serrano or jalapeño, or chipotle in adobo sauce.