Tropical Carne Guisada

Name: Tropical Carne Guisada
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 1 cup coconut milk; 1/2 cup beef broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 2 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Welcome to a delicious twist on a classic favorite — Tropical Carne Guisada! This recipe is perfect for those who love the rich, hearty flavors of traditional beef stew but are ready for a tropical upgrade with vibrant pineapple and creamy coconut milk. It's a journey for your taste buds, right from your kitchen.

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Ingredients for Tropical Carne Guisada

Beef chuck is the star, bringing rich, meaty flavors that tenderize beautifully when cooked slowly. Olive oil helps brown the beef, adding depth to the dish. The trio of onion, garlic, and red bell pepper forms the savory base, while fresh pineapple adds a delightful sweetness and tropical flair. Coconut milk creates a creamy texture, balanced by the savory warmth of beef broth. Tomato paste provides a tangy richness, while soy sauce adds umami. A blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and ground coriander spices up the dish. Finally, lime juice and fresh cilantro add a zesty finish.

Tips & Tricks

For even more flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and spices a few hours before cooking.
Use fresh, ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and flavor.
If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.

Serving Suggestions

This Tropical Carne Guisada pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or warm tortillas. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light citrus dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?: Yes, beef brisket or short ribs would also work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?: Absolutely! Just brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stove first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Tropical Carne Guisada Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add in the beef cubes. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for locking in flavor, so be patient.

Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté these until they’re softened and fragrant, which usually takes around 5 minutes.

Add the diced pineapple to the pot, stirring it in with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth, followed by the tomato paste, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander. Stir everything together until well combined.

Return the browned beef cubes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Once your carne guisada is ready, season it with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A unique blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a complex, satisfying dish.
Great for batch cooking — leftovers taste even better!

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced

1 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup beef broth

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp ground coriander

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add beef cubes and brown on all sides.

2. Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened.

3. Add pineapple, coconut milk, beef broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander. Stir well.

4. Return beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours or until beef is tender.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

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