Carne Guisada (Tender Beef Stew in Rich Tex-Mex Gravy)
Carne Guisada is a comforting Latin-style beef stew made with tender chunks of slow-cooked beef simmered in a deeply flavorful tomato gravy. This hearty one-pot dish is packed with warm spices, soft vegetables, and melt-in-your-mouth beef that becomes incredibly rich as it cooks low and slow.
Perfect for family dinners or weekend meals, carne guisada is traditionally served with warm tortillas, rice, and beans, making it both filling and satisfying.
This homemade version uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers bold flavor without complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Carne Guisada Recipe
This recipe is easy to make in one pot and relies on slow cooking to achieve tender, juicy beef. The gravy thickens naturally as it simmers, creating a comforting sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or bread. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it mild or spicy depending on preference.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast or sirloin), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes, finely chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes lightly with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides until nicely seared. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and jalapeño, if using. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices and cook for 1 minute.
4. Create the Gravy Base
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes. This step helps remove the raw flour taste and creates a thick, rich gravy later.
5. Simmer the Stew
Return the browned beef to the pot. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the gravy is thick and rich. Add a little more broth if the stew becomes too thick.
6. Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Carne guisada is traditionally served with warm flour tortillas, white rice, or Spanish-style rice. It also pairs beautifully with beans or mashed potatoes. The rich gravy makes it perfect for soaking up with bread or tortillas.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover carne guisada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This stew also freezes well for up to 2 months.