Traditional Carne Guisada

Name: Traditional Carne Guisada
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large green bell pepper, chopped; 1 large red bell pepper, chopped; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 2 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

Traditional Carne Guisada is a comforting, savory stew that's perfect for bringing warmth to your table. This classic dish from Latin America combines tender beef with a rich, flavorful broth, making it an irresistible meal for any season.

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Traditional Carne Guisada

Beef chuck roast is the star here. Its marbling ensures the beef becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks slowly. Vegetable oil helps brown the beef, adding a rich base flavor. Onion, garlic, and bell peppers add depth and a natural sweetness to the stew. Beef broth serves as the hearty liquid base, while diced tomatoes introduce a subtle tanginess. Ground cumin and chili powder provide that signature warmth and spice, rounded out with black pepper and salt. The all-purpose flour thickens the sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright finish.

Tips & Tricks

Browning the beef well is key to developing deep flavor in the stew.
For a thicker sauce, uncover the pot for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Adjust the spices to your taste. Add more chili powder for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

This Carne Guisada pairs beautifully with warm, fluffy rice or soft corn tortillas. Add a side of refried beans or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. For a touch of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream on top works wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?: Yes, beef stew meat or brisket also work well, though you may need to adjust cooking times.
What if I don't have fresh cilantro?: Dried cilantro can substitute in a pinch, but use it sparingly as the dried version is more potent.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?: Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Traditional Carne Guisada Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the beef cubes. Brown them on all sides, ensuring the beef gets a nice sear for flavor. When you're satisfied with the browning, remove the beef and set it aside for now. In the same pot, toss in the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté these until they become soft and fragrant.

Next, sprinkle in the flour over the vegetables, stirring for about a minute to cook out the raw taste. Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything. Now it’s time to season. Add the cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

After a couple of hours, your beef should be tender and the sauce thickened. Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving to add a fresh, herby note.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
Slow-cooked to perfection for melt-in-your-mouth beef.
A hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ideal for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 large green bell pepper, chopped

1 large red bell pepper, chopped

2 cups beef broth

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides.

3. Remove the beef and set aside.

4. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, green and red bell peppers until soft.

5. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

6. Add the beef back to the pot.

7. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes.

8. Season with cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.

9. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.

10. Cook for 2 hours or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally.

11. Stir in chopped cilantro before serving.

Save Print

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!