Carne Guisada, or “stewed meat,” is a comforting and flavorful dish popular in Latin American and Tex-Mex cuisines. This hearty beef stew features tender chunks of meat simmered in a rich, savory gravy infused with bold spices. Perfect for serving with rice, tortillas, or beans, Carne Guisada is a satisfying meal that warms the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, comforting flavors: Bold spices and a thick, savory gravy make it irresistible.
- Tender beef: Slow-cooked to perfection for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, beans, or tortillas for a variety of meal options.
- Family favorite: A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 potato (optional, diced for added texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Directions

- Brown the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the spices and flour: Stir in the flour, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the flour to brown slightly.
- Build the stew: Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, green bell pepper, and browned beef back to the pot. Stir to combine. If using potatoes, add them at this stage.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Season and garnish: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Tomatillo twist: Use tomatillos instead of diced tomatoes for a tangy variation.
- Low-carb option: Skip the potatoes and serve with cauliflower rice.
- Vegetable addition: Add carrots, zucchini, or peas for more color and texture.
- Shortcut version: Use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Carne Guisada freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for Carne Guisada?
Beef chuck or stew meat is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy.
What should I serve with Carne Guisada?
Serve it with warm tortillas, white rice, refried beans, or even mashed potatoes.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to let the liquid reduce, or mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in.
Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?
Yes, chicken thighs or pork shoulder are great substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Is Carne Guisada spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add spice with chili powder, cayenne, or jalapeños.
Can I make it dairy-free?
This dish is naturally dairy-free! Just ensure your broth is also dairy-free.
What’s the difference between Carne Guisada and Carne Asada?
Carne Guisada is a slow-cooked beef stew, while Carne Asada is grilled, marinated beef.
Can I add beans to this dish?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans can be added for extra protein and texture.
Conclusion
Carne Guisada is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. Its rich gravy, tender beef, and bold spices make it a standout meal. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a taste of Latin American or Tex-Mex tradition. Try this recipe today and savor the warmth and depth of flavors in every bite!
PrintCarne Guisada
Carne Guisada, or “stewed beef,” is a flavorful Latin American dish made with tender beef chunks simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Infused with spices, tomatoes, and peppers, this hearty meal is perfect for serving with rice, beans, or warm tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients
For the Meat:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add 2 tbsp vegetable oil and sauté the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Build the Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down slightly.
- Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
- Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Mix the flour and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Gradually stir it into the stew and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot with rice, beans, or tortillas.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Substitute beef with pork or chicken for a different variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.